Health, Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest
Why are Heart Attacks on a rise in Young Adults?
In recent years, it has been observed that heart attacks/ cardiac arrests have become common even among younger adults where earlier people of older age groups were more at risk of the same.
Overview
Heart attack, cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular diseases have remained a major health concern around the world, but it is only recently that a rising number cardiovascular problems among the younger population are being diagnosed and reported. While doctors and medical professionals are yet to find conclusive answers to such occurrences, there have been some reasons that have been identified which could lead to heart problems.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack or a myocardial infarction refers to a blockage or a blood clot being formed within the arteries, which blocks blood flow to the heart.
When the blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked due to the formation of plaques, an outcome of fatty deposits, including cholesterol, the coronary arteries can narrow down, leading to a heart attack. That said, most heart attacks can be fatal and therefore, they need immediate medical care as and when they occur.
Reasons why heart attacks are on a rise in young adults
1. Diabetes is a key risk factor for an early heart attack
If you have diabetes, you are more at risk of facing a heart attack. The problem develops when your blood sugar isn’t controlled well enough to keep it within a healthy range. High blood sugar damages your blood vessels, which increases the chance of fats building up in your arteries and causing atherosclerosis.
Patients with diabetes are also more likely to have other chronic health diseases that significantly increase the risk of a heart attack, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
2. Young adults are increasingly diagnosed with hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, just like the trend in heart attacks, the incidence of hypertension is rising faster in young adults than in older adults. High blood pressure makes your heart muscles thicken, harms your blood vessels, and increases your risk of a heart attack.
3. Overweight and obesity are key players in heart attacks
Being overweight has a significant influence on your risk of having a heart attack for several reasons. For starters, carrying extra weight places a high demand on your heart. Obesity alone makes you more likely to have a heart attack even if you’re otherwise healthy.
However, patients who are overweight and obese often have other health conditions that detract from their heart health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
4. Smoking cigarettes and vaping are major risk factors for a heart attack
Of all the things that contribute to heart attacks in young adults, smoking cigarettes is one of the top risk factors. Your risk of a heart attack increases in direct proportion to the number of cigarettes you smoke. Smoking one pack a day more than doubles your risk for a heart attack compared with nonsmokers. (Source)
While cigarette smoking has a much higher chance of causing a heart attack compared with vaping, you’re still not off the hook if you vape. E-cigarettes contain nicotine and other toxic compounds that accelerate your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. A recent study found that vaping made you 34% more likely to have a heart attack compared with non-vapers. (Source)
5. Substance abuse takes a toll on your heart
The experts are still studying the effect of marijuana on your heart, but they know that it boosts your heart rate and raises your risk of having a heart attack. Cocaine’s impact on your heart, however, is well established. Cocaine increases your heart rate, tightens your blood vessels, and raises your blood pressure, all of which are associated with heart attacks.
A word from us
Many heart attacks are preventable because you can change your risk factors by making lifestyle changes and taking medications if needed to protect your health. You can get all the support you need to prevent a heart attack by consulting medical professionals. It is never too late to consult an expert and work towards a better health.
