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Date Icon June 24, 2025 Date Icon KIMS Manavata

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.

    FAQ

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    Q: Why are heart attacks on the rise among young adults in their 20s and 30s?

    The increasing incidence of heart attacks in younger adults is related to lifestyle-driven risk factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking/vaping, and rising obesity levels. Chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are also exponentially growing in the under-40 population and heightening the risk of heart disease.

    Q: Can young adults in their 20s really have a heart attack?

    Heart attacks can happen in your 20s. Studies demonstrate a continuous rise of around 2% per year for heart attacks, particularly in people under 40 years of age. Though much younger, young adults have the same risk of developing future heart issues as older adults.

    Q: What are the early warning signs of a heart attack in young people?

    Early signs include: pain or pressure in the chest; shortness of breath; cold sweats; fatigue; and nausea. Young adults frequently disregard earlier signs of heart trouble for things like stress or acid reflux, postponing their treatment, leading to worse outcomes.

    Q: Is vaping safer than smoking when it comes to heart health?

    No. Smoking and vaping both significantly increase the risk of a heart attack. Vaping raises your heart rate and blood pressure, and people who vape are 34% more likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users.

    Q: How can Cardio Metabolic Institute help young people prevent heart disease?

    Cardio Metabolic Institute offers personalized heart care plans with support from cardiologists, fitness trainers, and dietitians. Their proactive approach helps young adults understand their risk factors and take steps to prevent heart disease before it starts.

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