You might think that heart attacks happen mainly to individuals of older ages or those with heart problems in the family. You might never think that you can have a heart attack in your 30s or 40s. However, according to recent studies, heart attacks are increasingly occurring in younger people, especially women. Heart attack rates in patients aged 35 to 54 have grown from 27% to 32%, according to research on more than 28,000 patients hospitalized for heart attacks between 1995 and 2014. Another alarming data to emphasize the issue is this: Heart attacks are more likely to occur in people in their 20s or early 30s. Between 2000 and 2016, the rate of heart attacks in this age group increased by 2% per year.
This blog will uncover how you can care for your heart, especially how you can prevent a heart attack in your 30s, to pave the way for a longer, healthier future.
Here are some things you should be aware of regarding heart issues in young adults and what you can do to reduce your risk of a heart attack in your 30s when you’re younger.
Heart Attacks: What Are They?
A heart attack is a severe medical emergency. It often happens when there is a blockage in the blood flow to the heart. Since blood also carries oxygen, a heart attack causes the cardiac muscles to deteriorate. However, if caught early enough, doctors can reduce the harm to the heart muscles.
Why Is It That Young People Are Having More Heart Attacks These Days?
A significant risk factor for an early heart attack is diabetes.
Compared to those without diabetes, those with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease. A problem arises when your blood sugar isn’t kept under control well enough to stay within a healthy level. High blood sugar can damage your blood vessels, which increases the likelihood that fat will accumulate in your arteries and lead to atherosclerosis – the building of plaque in your artery, blocking blood from flowing normally.
Hypertension is increasingly being diagnosed in young adults.
High blood pressure, sometimes known as hypertension, is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the incidence of hypertension is increasing more quickly in young adults than in older adults, similar to the heart attack trend. High blood pressure damages your blood vessels, thickens the heart muscles, and raises your risk of a heart attack.
Obesity and being overweight play a significant role in heart attacks.
For various reasons, being overweight significantly increases your chance of having a heart attack. To begin with, being overweight puts a lot of strain on your heart. Even if you are in generally good health, obesity alone increases your risk of having a heart attack.
Vaping and cigarette smoking are significant risk factors for heart attacks.
Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for heart attacks in young adults among all other risk factors. Your risk of a heart attack rises according to how many cigarettes you smoke. Your chance of having a heart attack increases more than twofold when you smoke one pack per day compared to non-smokers.
Nicotine and other hazardous substances in vape or e-cigarettes cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise. According to a recent study, vaping increased the risk of a heart attack by 34% compared to non-vapers.
Your heart suffers as a result of drug misuse.
Although researchers are still looking into how marijuana affects the heart, they know it increases heart rate and heart attack risk. However, cocaine’s effect on your heart is widely known. Cocaine causes your blood vessels to constrict, your heart to beat faster, and your blood pressure to rise—all of which are linked to heart attacks.
What Are the Typical Heart Attack Symptoms And Signs?
There is a wide range of heart attack symptoms. Not everyone experiences the same severe symptoms. While some people only suffer moderate symptoms, others may have more severe ones. However, individuals may experience warning signs hours, days, or weeks in advance. Angina (chest pain), which can be brought on by activity and eased by rest, is one of the earliest and most prevalent.
Several typical signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest pressure, tightness, or pain that radiates to the arms or shoulders and then to the neck, back, or jaw.
- Indigestion, nausea, and pain in the abdomen
- Breathing problems
- Cold sweat
- Weariness and dizziness.
What Steps Can We Take To Lower Our Chance Of Suffering A Heart Attack?
Changing our way of life is our best defence against heart disease. We can reduce our risk of a heart attack by maintaining healthy habits. Some examples of heart-healthy behaviours are:
- A diet that is heart-healthy and decreases processed food consumption
- Regular exercise and healthy physical activity
- Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding all tobacco products
- Routine preventative medical examinations
- Yoga and other leisure activities might reduce stress levels.
- Learn to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease.
Message from the Heartscope Specialist Group
Many heart attacks are avoidable because you can reduce your risk factors by altering your lifestyle and, if necessary, taking medications to safeguard your health. The Heartscope Specialist Group offers all the assistance you require to avoid having a heart attack.
Regardless of age, our cardiologists and specialists are prepared to offer comprehensive healthcare that addresses your cardiovascular risk factors. Call or make an appointment with us to start on the path to a long, healthy life.
