The average age for a first heart attack in men is 65 years old. For a long time, this trend has generally held true, heart attacks are more likely to occur in older adults. That has been the common wisdom for as long as we can remember. But in the past few years, a second trend has started to emerge: heart attacks are occurring more frequently in younger adults.
Even as fewer heart attacks are occurring in the United States – in large part due to the use of medications like statins and a decline in smoking, there has been a rise in heart attacks amongst those under forty. That’s according to a 2019 study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study highlighted that a growing number of people ages 55 and younger — especially women — are having heart attacks.
What is behind the trend?
The traditional risk factors for having a heart attack remain the same. These include
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Family history of premature heart attack
- High cholesterol
- A lack of physical activity
- Diabetes
Other factors like substance-use tend to affect younger patients more often. Younger patients who suffered from heart attacks were more likely to report substance abuse, including marijuana and cocaine. But in general, the risk factors that impact older individuals are the same ones affecting younger individuals. The rise in heart attacks in younger adults is likely attributed to changes in lifestyle. Smoking, a lack of physical activity and unhealthy diets are just some factors being seen more frequently in younger adults.
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack
A heart attack occurs when part of the heart muscle stops receiving enough circulating blood. Some of the risk factors mentioned above can lead to deposits of fatty acid clogging the arteries of the heart. When blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked, a heart attack occurs. The major symptoms of a heart attack are:
- Chest pain or discomfort. The discomfort can feel like pressure on the chest, a squeezing sensation, fullness, or pain
- Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint. Sometimes a cold sweat
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders
- Shortness of breath. This often comes along with chest discomfort
If you notice the symptoms of a heart attack in yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.
Lifestyle measures that can reduce your risk of having a heart attack
Physical activity
Try to increase the amount of physical activity you undertake. Aim for 30-60 minutes a day but if that’s not possible, do what you can. Some physical activity is better than none. Consider activities like walking, light jogging or even yoga.
Healthier eating
Eating healthier foods will go a long way towards reducing your risk of having a heart attack. Although no specific diet is recommended, principles of the Mediterranean diet offer a good starting point. The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthy eating plans that is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It is also recognized by the World Health Organization as a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern.
There is no single definition of the Mediterranean diet but the main components include:
- Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats
- Weekly intake of fish, poultry, beans and eggs
- Moderate portions of dairy products
- Limited intake of red meat
Stop smoking and use of other recreational substances
If you need help with these issues, speak to your doctor or other medical professional for advice on the best way to start.
Healthcare check-ups
Make a habit of attending routine health check-ups with your doctor. Their importance cannot be overstated. Having your blood pressure checked regularly alongside your cholesterol levels can be early indicators of potential problems. The sooner any problem is caught, the earlier you can start to address it.
Regardless of your age, having a heart attack is not inevitable. There are steps we can all take (today) to live healthier lives and lower our risk of heart problems.
References
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/premature-heart-disease
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/whats-driving-heart-attacks-in-younger-adults
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htm
- https://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2019/03/07/08/45/heart-attacks-increasingly-common-in-young-adults
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-heart-attacks-on-the-rise-in-young-people/