Young People and Heart Attacks: A Global Concern

Heart attacks were once thought of as an “older person’s” condition. Yet in recent decades, there has been a noticeable rise in cardiovascular events among younger adults worldwide. Researchers, clinicians, and public health bodies are working to understand why this is happening and how to reduce the risks.

A Changing Picture of Heart Health

Traditionally, cardiovascular disease was most associated with people over 50. However, studies now show increasing diagnoses in people under 40. This trend is concerning, both for patients and for healthcare systems that must adapt to the changing burden of disease.

Global Trends

In high income countries such as the US, UK, and Australia, lifestyle factors including reduced physical activity, diets high in processed foods, and chronic stress play a major role. In low and middle income countries, rapid urbanisation, smoking, and limited access to preventative healthcare are significant contributors. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming around 20.5 million lives in 2021, with 85% due to heart attack and stroke.

Why Are Younger People at Risk?

Less physical activity: More sedentary lifestyles and increased screen time place added strain on cardiovascular health.
Dietary shifts: High consumption of ultra processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast food worsens cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control.
Stress and sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep quality contribute to long term heart strain.
Underlying conditions: Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are appearing at younger ages, compounding risks.

How Studies Are Conducted

Large cohort studies and clinical research track participants’ lifestyle, metabolic, and genetic factors over years to reveal patterns in cardiovascular disease. Consistently, findings show that plaque formation in arteries, atherosclerosis, can begin much earlier than previously believed. Emerging therapies, such as those using cyclodextrins, are under investigation for their potential to dissolve cholesterol deposits and reduce plaques, with early human case studies showing encouraging results.

Regional Insights

South Asian populations often face heightened risks due to genetic predispositions alongside diet and urbanisation. Middle Eastern studies report some of the youngest heart attack patients worldwide, with high smoking and diabetes prevalence as contributing factors. Western countries see better healthcare access but rising lifestyle related risks among youth.

Awareness and Prevention

One of the biggest challenges is that younger people often underestimate their risk. This can lead to delays in recognising symptoms and seeking timely care. Public health experts emphasise the importance of early prevention, through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress reduction, and health screenings, even in the teens and twenties.

Final Thoughts

Heart attacks in younger people are no longer rare, and the trend is global. By understanding the shared and region specific risk factors, we can better inform prevention strategies. The conversation about heart health must include younger generations, as early action provides the best chance for lifelong cardiovascular wellbeing.

References:

BMC Public Health (2024) – The global burden and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in adolescent and young adults, 1990–2019

https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-18445-6

BMC Medicine (2023) – Global, regional, and national burden of cardiovascular diseases in youths and young adults aged 15–39 years, 1990–2019

https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-023-02925-4

NIH / NHLBI (2023) – Heart disease risks among younger adults on the rise

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/heart-disease-risks-among-younger-adults-rise

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (BMJ, 2025) – Trends in acute coronary syndrome hospitalisation, incidence and mortality rates in young adults (<55 years)

https://jech.bmj.com/content/79/8/580

World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular Diseases Fact Sheet

https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases