Raquel Hutt’s Shocking Diagnosis at 24
When 24-year-old Raquel Hutt experienced shooting pains down her left arm, she and her family feared the worst. Paramedics initially dismissed her symptoms as anxiety, due to her young age and slender build. However, her mother insisted on hospital admission, where doctors confirmed that Raquel had, in fact, suffered a heart attack — a diagnosis that shocked everyone involved. Heart attacks are typically associated with older adults, but recent data suggests they’re becoming more common among young people.
Heart Attack Rates Among Young Adults Soar
According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the number of young adults experiencing heart attacks has increased significantly. In 2019, only 0.3% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 44 reported having a heart attack. By 2023, that figure had risen to 0.5%, representing a 66% increase over just four years. While heart attacks remain rare in this age group, the sharp rise has left experts concerned, particularly as rates among older adults have decreased over the same period.
What’s Behind the Surge? Four Likely Causes
Though the causes of this disturbing trend are not fully understood, experts point to several key factors that could be contributing to the rise in heart attacks among young adults.
1. Rising Obesity and ‘Diabesity’
One of the primary drivers appears to be the rising rate of obesity, particularly among younger generations. Dr. Andrew Moran, a preventive cardiologist at Columbia University, explains that while obesity has increased across all age groups, young adults have seen a steeper rise compared to older generations. Poor dietary habits, shaped by a childhood of fast food and processed snacks, may be contributing to what experts call the ‘diabesity epidemic,’ a term used to describe the link between obesity and diabetes.
Dr. Noel Bairey Merz, a cardiology professor at Cedars-Sinai, highlights that the rise in fast food consumption has reshaped eating patterns for younger generations, leading to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Obesity and diabetes are well-known risk factors for high blood pressure, which strains the heart and blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks.
2. The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 may also be playing a role in the increase in heart attacks among young adults. Research has shown that the virus can cause heart inflammation and other cardiovascular issues, even in people who had mild cases. Studies suggest that young people with risk factors like obesity are more vulnerable to the virus’s cardiovascular effects.
During the first two years of the pandemic, heart attack deaths among people aged 25 to 44 increased by 30%, highlighting the potential link between COVID-19 and cardiovascular problems. Dr. Ashish Sarraju, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, warns that while traditional risk factors like obesity and hypertension are important, the ongoing effects of the pandemic need further investigation.
3. Young Men Are Falling Through the Gaps in Healthcare
Men have long been more likely than women to experience heart attacks, but for young men in particular, the risks may be heightened by their disengagement from healthcare. According to Dr. Moran, many young women visit the doctor regularly due to gynaecological care, but young men are often ‘lost to the healthcare system.’ Without regular check-ups, many are unaware of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, leading to unexpected heart attacks.
4. Unique Risk Factors for Women
Interestingly, while heart attack rates have risen for both men and women, the spike is steeper among young women. Hospitalisation rates for heart attacks in women aged 35 to 54 rose from 21% to 31% between 1995 and 2014, according to research. Dr. Bairey Merz believes that several factors may be contributing to this alarming rise.
The increasing rates of smoking and vaping among young women — often for weight management — is a major concern, as both habits significantly increase heart attack risk. Additionally, the ‘diabesity’ epidemic disproportionately affects women, with diabetes posing a higher cardiovascular risk for them than for men. Stress, social media pressures, and irregular menstrual cycles are also being studied as potential contributors to heart health issues in young women.
How You Can Reduce Your Risk
The rising rates of heart attacks among young adults are worrying, but the good news is that there are several effective ways to lower your risk, regardless of age.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on fresh foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, and reduce your intake of processed and fast foods.
- Increase Physical Activity: Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week, or 7,000 steps a day.
- Quit Smoking: Whether it’s traditional cigarettes, vaping, or cannabis, any form of smoking significantly raises your risk of heart disease.
- Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support heart health.
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption: New research shows that even small amounts of alcohol increase your risk of heart disease.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Work with your doctor to determine a healthy weight and use a balanced diet and regular activity to achieve it.
- Monitor Key Health Metrics: Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels to catch any issues early.
The Takeaway
Heart attacks in young people may still be rare, but the rising rates signal the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts. By addressing risk factors like obesity, smoking, and lifestyle habits early, young adults can reduce their chances of facing cardiovascular issues later in life. With the right steps, it’s possible to protect your heart health — at any age.
