What's Behind the Rise in Heart Attacks Among Young People?

Heart Attacks Are Rising in Young Adults: What You Should Know

Heart attacks in the U.S. have gone down overall, but there's a new concern. More young adults, even in their 20s and 30s, are now having heart attacks.

At Cardio Metabolic Institute, we help people understand their risk and build a plan to prevent heart disease before it starts.

Heart Attacks Are No Longer Just an "Older Adult" Problem

It used to be rare for people under 40 to have a heart attack. More young adults are affected by heart disease, with one in five heart attack cases occurring in those under 40.

Between 2000 and 2016, heart attacks in young adults increased by 2% every year.

Important: Being young doesn’t mean you recover better. A heart attack in your 20s or 30s carries the same risk of future heart problems or stroke as it does for older adults.

Major Risk Factors in Young Adults

1. Diabetes

People with diabetes are 2–4 times more likely to die from heart disease.

Poorly controlled blood sugar damages arteries and increases fat buildup, leading to atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries).

Diabetes often comes with other risks like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Rising rapidly among young adults.

Leads to thickened heart muscles and damaged vessels, increasing heart attack risk.

3. Obesity and Overweight

Excess weight puts extra strain on the heart.

Often linked with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all major heart disease triggers.

4. Smoking and Vaping

Smoking ranks as one of the top causes of heart attacks in younger individuals.

Smoking just one pack a day more than doubles your heart attack risk.

Vaping isn't safe either — it raises your heart rate and blood pressure.

People who vape are 34% more likely to suffer a heart attack than those who don't.

5. Drug Use

Cocaine greatly increases heart attack risk by tightening vessels and raising blood pressure.

Using marijuana may raise your heart rate and put extra strain on your heart.

The Good News: Many Heart Attacks Are Preventable

Most heart attacks in young adults can be prevented. Making healthy lifestyle changes and getting proper care can reduce your risk significantly.

At Cardio Metabolic Institute, our team of cardiologists, fitness experts, and dieticians works together to build a plan just for you, no matter your age.