Historically, heart attacks have been considered a health concern for older adults, with risk factors like ageing and accumulated lifestyle habits playing a major role.
However, recent data has revealed a troubling trend: heart attacks are on the rise among young, seemingly healthy adults, particularly those under 40. A combination of factors—ranging from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to lifestyle choices and rising rates of obesity and hypertension—are believed to be driving this increase.
Although heart attacks in younger populations are still relatively rare, the rapid rise in cases indicates a need for greater awareness and prevention efforts.
A Surge in Cases Among the Young
Heart attacks have historically been uncommon among adults under the age of 40, but that is rapidly changing.
According to recent data, heart attacks in U.S. adults aged 18-44 rose by 66% between 2019 and 2023, an alarming spike given the traditionally low risk in this age group. In 2019, only 0.3% of individuals in this demographic reported having suffered a heart attack, but by 2023, that figure had risen to 0.5%—one in every 200 young adults.
This trend is not isolated to the U.S. alone; similar patterns have been observed in other countries, including New Zealand.
One particularly concerning aspect of this spike is that it is seen in young adults who are physically fit or have no significant prior health conditions.
Cases like that of Raquel Hutt, a 24-year-old from New York who suffered a heart attack in August 2024 despite no prior history of heart disease, illustrate this trend. Hutt’s heart attack symptoms were initially dismissed by emergency personnel as anxiety, which, alarmingly, shows existing and persistent misconceptions that heart attacks only affect older, less healthy individuals.
COVID-19 and Its Lasting Impact on Cardiovascular Health
Among the potential causes for this rise in heart attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic is considered a major contributing factor. While the pandemic affected the entire population, its impact on cardiovascular health, particularly in younger individuals, is only now being fully understood.
Research conducted by Dr. Susan Cheng of Cedars-Sinai indicates a 30% rise in heart attack deaths in people aged 25-44 during the pandemic. The virus itself has been linked to inflammation in the heart, including conditions like myocarditis, which can severely weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
This inflammation, coupled with an increased risk of blood clot formation and stress-induced spikes in blood pressure, is believed to elevate the risk of heart attacks.
COVID-19’s impact on heart health doesn’t end after recovery. One study found that four out of every 100 people in the U.S. developed heart-related symptoms in the year following their recovery from COVID-19. While cases of myocarditis caused by COVID vaccines have garnered media attention, health experts stress that the risk posed by the virus itself far outweighs the potential side effects of vaccination.
The Role of Lifestyle Factors and Rising Obesity
While it appears the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in the rise of heart attacks among young adults, it is not the only factor.
Lifestyle factors such as poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and rising rates of obesity and hypertension are also key drivers.
According to the American Medical Association, obesity rates among Americans aged 20-44 rose from 32% in 2009 to 40% in 2020. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for heart disease, as it contributes to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol—all of which strain the heart and increase the likelihood of a heart attack.
In addition to obesity, younger adults are increasingly diagnosed with hypertension, a condition that was once far more common in older populations.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, causes the heart muscles to thicken and can damage blood vessels, significantly raising the risk of a heart attack.
This increase has also been linked to what some experts call the “diabesity epidemic,” a term used to describe the twin rise in diabetes and obesity.
Poor eating habits formed in childhood, particularly the consumption of fast food and highly processed snacks, are thought to be major contributors.
As Dr Noel Bairey Merz of Cedars-Sinai noted, younger adults are more likely to have grown up in a world where fast food and convenience snacks dominate their diet, making them more susceptible to the health risks that follow from these poor dietary choices.
Substance Use and Its Contribution to the Crisis
Substance abuse is another factor contributing to the increase in heart attacks among young adults. While smoking has long been associated with heart disease, the rise in e-cigarette use, particularly among younger populations, is also concerning.
Studies have shown that vaping increases the risk of heart attacks by 34% compared to non-vapers. This is compounded by the fact that many young adults believe vaping is a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes when, in fact, both contribute significantly to heart attack risk by raising blood pressure and accelerating the heart rate.
The use of other recreational drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks.
Cocaine, in particular, raises heart rate and blood pressure and constricts blood vessels, all of which can lead to a sudden heart attack. Marijuana, while less studied, is believed to have similar effects on the cardiovascular system, especially when used frequently or in combination with other substances.
Gender Differences in the Heart Attack Surge
While men have historically been more likely to suffer from heart attacks, recent data suggests that the increase in cases is affecting women at an alarming rate.
Between 1995 and 2014, hospitalisations for heart attacks among women aged 35-54 increased from 21% to 31%. Experts are investigating the reasons behind this rise, with many pointing to the unique risk factors women face.
Diabetes, for example, is a stronger risk factor for heart disease in women than in men, though the reasons for this disparity remain unclear.
Additionally, the relationship between stress, menstrual cycles, and heart health is emerging as an important area of research.
High levels of stress, often exacerbated by modern-day pressures such as social media, have been linked to disrupted menstrual cycles and lower estrogen levels—both of which can increase a woman’s risk of heart disease.
Prevention and Moving Forward
The rise in heart attacks among young adults presents a significant public health challenge, but it also highlights the importance of prevention. Experts recommend that young adults focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by managing their weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding substance abuse.
Additionally, regular health check-ups are crucial, particularly for young men who may be less likely to seek medical care. Doctors also emphasise the importance of addressing mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression, which can contribute to cardiovascular problems.