Cardiac problems, including heart attacks, are no longer limited to older adults. With changing lifestyles, dietary habits and increased stress levels, young adults are also susceptible. On this World Heart Day (Sept. 29), let’s understand the risk factors associated with cardiac issues in young adults and listen to expert opinions for prevention.
Cardiovascular disease, a common term that includes a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, was typically associated with middle-aged and older adulthood. However, studies show an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as rheumatic heart disease and atherosclerosis in younger adults, especially people in their 20s.
What are the risk factors?
“In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in cardiac issues among young adults. While the precise causes may vary among individuals, some factors are common,” Narges Feizabadi, a board-certified cardiovascular nurse practitioner from California, told Medical Daily.
“Atherosclerosis, hypertension and obesity are some of the risk factors. Atherosclerosis or the buildup of plaque in arteries can occur at a younger age due to poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. While high blood pressure puts strain on the heart and arteries, excess body weight can lead to various risk factors, including diabetes and sleep apnea, which contribute to heart problems. High levels of stress, often related to work or lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse, inadequate sleep and tobacco use can have a detrimental impact on heart health. Family history of heart disease and chronic conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol can also raise the risk,” she said.
According to a National Institute Of Health (NIH) report that studied heart disease risk in young adults, cholesterol levels decreased from 40.5% to 36.1% in young adults between 2009 and 2020. However, the number of young adults with diabetes increased by 1%, and the obesity rates increased…
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