Survey: Early heart attacks on the rise, but young people might not consider their risks

At age 30, heart disease was the last thing on Dave Conway’s mind when he experienced a few days of fatigue and shortness of breath. A quick internet search of his symptoms convinced him he had pneumonia, but when he finally ended up in the emergency room, he learned he’d had a “widowmaker” heart attack and a 100% blockage in a major artery.

“I thought people who had heart attacks or heart disease were older people who drink and smoke and weigh much more than I did. I thought you would have a pain in your left arm and then would fall over and die. For the most part, I didn’t realize how many different signs someone can have,” says Conway, of Columbus.

Conway isn’t the only one. A new national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that even though heart attacks are increasingly common in younger people, many don’t believe they’re at risk for heart disease.

The survey – which was conducted online among more than 2,000 Americans age 18 and older – found that 47% of those under age 45 don’t think they’re at risk for heart disease.

“It is alarming that younger people don’t feel that they’re at risk for heart disease, but it’s not surprising. Most young people think heart disease only happens in old people, but that’s not the case,” says Laxmi Mehta, MD, director of Preventive Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Health, chief wellbeing liaison and professor of Internal Medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Heart attacks increasing in younger people

A recent study shows that heart attacks in people under age 40 have been increasing over the past decade. This is partly because conditions that lead to heart disease, such as obesity and high blood pressure, are leading to heart disease at younger ages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Ohio State’s survey, 46% of adults under age 35 said they don’t believe high blood pressure is a health risk for them.

“Addressing heart disease risk factors at a young age is important because when conditions are treated at an earlier age, you can slow the progression of onset of developing heart disease.”Dr. Mehta

Heart attack symptoms

Signs of a heart attack include:

• Chest pressure, tightness or fullness 
• Squeezing, pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for minutes and sometimes radiating to the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw
• Chest pain that increases in intensity or that’s not relieved by rest
• Chest pain that occurs while sweating
• Fainting or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion, nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weakness or fatigue
• Cool, clammy skin
• Paleness

What younger people do know about heart attack risks

Ohio State’s study also found about a third of those surveyed weren’t confident they would know if they were having a heart attack. Recognizing even the most subtle signs of a heart attack and seeking immediate care can be lifesaving, Dr. Mehta said.

“If something suddenly seems new and doesn’t make sense to you, seek immediate medical attention. Don’t wait until tomorrow to see if you feel better. Let health care professionals decide if you’re having a heart attack or not,” she said. “When it comes to a heart attack or stroke, every second counts. You shouldn’t even drive yourself to the hospital. Call an ambulance so lifesaving care can begin right away.”

Other results of Ohio State’s survey found that 67% of respondents reported getting at least 2.5 hours each a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or biking, and 93% said they were aware that getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night was important for their heart health.

Exercise and healthy sleep are part of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Other factors are eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and vaping, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers in a healthy range.

“I like to look at Life’s Essential 8 as two separate categories: living a healthy lifestyle and managing health conditions. Doing these eight things can really help prevent heart disease and strokes,” Dr. Mehta says.

Having yearly checkups with a primary care physician is also important to prevent and manage health conditions.

“Your doctor will screen for warning signs like high blood pressure and do blood work to track your cholesterol so that any changes over time can be flagged. They will also assess your risk for diabetes and screen for certain cancers and other diseases that put your future wellness at risk,” Dr. Mehta says. “There are also many health fairs that offer free screenings if patients don’t have access to care.”

Expert Guide to Heart Health: Answers to more of your heart health questions

Advice from a heart attack survivor

Conway, who had his heart attack in 2018, says recovery has been “really tough” and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep his heart healthy.

“If you can eat well and if you can move, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just going for a walk and reading your food labels can really help you maintain a good diet and keep a healthy heart,” he says.

As a psychology student at The Ohio State University, Conway hopes to help others who go through similar life-changing events and shares his story to raise awareness about heart health and heart disease.

“I tell everyone now that if they're not feeling good, go to the doctor or seek any sort of professional medical help. It's so much better for a doctor to tell you that everything is OK and that there's nothing to worry about than waiting until it gets bad enough that you get admitted to the hospital,” he says. “Preventive care and being aware of what's going on in your body can help prevent serious heart issues.”