(Washington, DC) — One in five heart attacks in the U.S. are now occurring in people under the age of 40. Heart attacks are no longer a concern mostly limited to older adults.
The American College of Cardiology says there’s been a dramatic shift toward younger people since the start of the 21st century, a nearly two-percent increase per year among the under 40 group.
Cardiologists say the rise in obesity and Type 2 diabetes are major factors. So are family history of heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They recommend knowing your numbers, getting exercise, eating a healthy diet and trying to eliminate chronic stress.
