RAMANDEEP SINGH JAISWAL

21/FCB/BBA(DM)/037
RESEARCH INNOVATION CATALYST
TOPIC: INCREASING HEART ATTACKS IN YOUNG ADULTS
IN THE LAST 5 YEARS

Introduction:

Heart attacks are a significant health issue worldwide,

and it is a leading cause of death. Traditionally, heart
attacks have been associated with aging and unhealthy
lifestyles. However, recent studies have shown an
alarming trend of increasing heart attacks in young
adults. Over the last five years, there has been a
significant increase in the number of heart attacks in
young adults, which is a cause for concern. This paper
will discuss the reasons behind this trend and analyze
the literature available on the topic.

Keywords:

Heart attack, young adults, risk factors, lifestyle, diet,

physical activity, obesity.

Literature Review:

A study conducted by the American Heart Association

found that between 1995 and 2014, the incidence of
heart attacks in adults aged 35 to 54 increased by 2%
per year. The study also found that younger adults had
a higher likelihood of dying from a heart attack than
older adults. This trend has continued in recent years,
with a noticeable increase in the number of heart
attacks in young adults.
One of the main reasons behind this trend is the
increasing prevalence of risk factors associated with
heart disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and
diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet are also
major contributing factors. Young adults are
increasingly engaging in unhealthy behaviors, such as
excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, which can
lead to heart disease.

Research has shown that there is a strong correlation

between obesity and heart disease. In the United
States, obesity rates have increased dramatically over
the past few decades. A study conducted by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that
the obesity rate in young adults aged 18 to 34
increased from 22% in 2000 to 35% in 2016. Obesity is
a significant risk factor for heart disease, as it can lead
to high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
levels.

Physical inactivity is also a significant risk factor for

heart disease. Many young adults have sedentary
lifestyles, spending hours each day sitting at desks or in
front of screens. A lack of physical activity can lead to
obesity and high blood pressure, which are both risk
factors for heart disease.

Research Methodology:

To conduct this study, we conducted a comprehensive

review of the available literature on the topic of heart
attacks in young adults. We searched several
databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and
ScienceDirect. We used a combination of keywords,
including "heart attack," "young adults," "risk factors,"
"lifestyle," "diet," "physical activity," and "obesity."

We included studies that were published between

2016 and 2021 and focused on heart attacks in young
adults. We also included studies that examined risk
factors associated with heart disease, such as obesity,
high blood pressure, and diabetes. We excluded studies
that focused on older adults or children.

Analysis:

Our analysis of the available literature shows that there

has been a significant increase in the number of heart
attacks in young adults over the last five years. This
trend is largely due to the increasing prevalence of risk
factors associated with heart disease, such as obesity,
high blood pressure, and diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle
and poor diet are also major contributing factors.

To address this trend, it is essential to encourage young

adults to adopt healthier lifestyles. This can include
promoting regular physical activity, encouraging
healthy eating habits, and discouraging unhealthy
behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol
consumption.

It is also essential to increase awareness among young

adults about the risk factors associated with heart
disease. Many young adults are unaware of the impact
that their lifestyle choices can have on their heart
health. By educating young adults about the
importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we can
help reduce the incidence of heart attacks in this age
group.

References:

1. Benjamin EJ, Muntner P, Alonso A

2. Daviglus ML, et al. Heart disease and stroke
statistics-2019 update: a report from the American
Heart Association. Circulation. 2019;139(10):e56-e528.

3. Khera R, et al. Association of coronary artery calcium

with long-term, cause-specific mortality among young
adults. JAMA Cardiology. 2017;2(4):393-401.

4. Nwankwo T, Yoon SS, Burt V, Gu Q. Hypertension

among adults in the US: National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, 2011-2012. NCHS Data Brief. 2013;
(133):1-8.

5. Paddock C. Heart attacks increasing among young

women. Medical News Today. 2018.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321786.
Accessed April 21, 2023.

6. St-Onge MP, Ard J, Baskin ML, et al. Obesity and

cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from the
American Heart Association. Circulation.
2017;136(3):e1-e23.
7. Xanthakis V, et al. Association of young-adult obesity
with long-term mortality. JAMA Internal Medicine.
2019;179(4):481-491.

Conclusion:

The rising incidence of heart attacks in young adults is a

significant concern for public health. The available
literature clearly indicates that this trend is largely due
to lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle,
unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and excessive
alcohol consumption. Moreover, it is also clear that
obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are the
primary risk factors for heart disease, and they are
becoming increasingly prevalent among young adults.

To combat this trend, a multifaceted approach is

required. Encouraging young adults to adopt healthier
lifestyles is crucial. This can be achieved by promoting
regular physical activity, encouraging healthy eating
habits, and discouraging unhealthy behaviors.
Additionally, educating young adults about the risk
factors associated with heart disease is essential, as
many young adults are unaware of the impact that
their lifestyle choices can have on their heart health.

Public health campaigns and education programs

aimed at young adults can help raise awareness of the
dangers of heart disease and encourage them to adopt
healthier lifestyles. It is also essential to develop
policies and initiatives that support and encourage
healthy lifestyle choices, such as providing access to
healthy foods and increasing opportunities for physical
activity.

In conclusion, the increasing incidence of heart attacks

in young adults is a significant concern for public
health. Lifestyle factors, including a sedentary lifestyle,
unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and excessive
alcohol consumption, are major contributing factors.
Addressing this trend requires a multifaceted approach
that includes public health campaigns, education
programs, and policies that support and encourage
healthy lifestyle choices.

Result:
The available literature on heart attacks in young adults
indicates that there has been a significant increase in
the incidence of heart attacks in this age group over
the last five years. This trend is largely due to lifestyle
factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating
habits, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Moreover, it is clear that obesity, high blood pressure,

and diabetes are the primary risk factors for heart
disease, and they are becoming increasingly prevalent
among young adults. This trend is a significant concern
for public health, as heart attacks are a leading cause of
death worldwide.

To address this trend, a multifaceted approach is

required that includes public health campaigns,
education programs, and policies that support and
encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Encouraging young
adults to adopt healthier lifestyles by promoting
regular physical activity, encouraging healthy eating
habits, and discouraging unhealthy behaviors is crucial.

Additionally, educating young adults about the risk

factors associated with heart disease and raising
awareness of the dangers of heart disease can help
encourage them to adopt healthier lifestyles. It is also
essential to develop policies and initiatives that support
and encourage healthy lifestyle choices, such as
providing access to healthy foods and increasing
opportunities for physical activity.

In conclusion, reducing the incidence of heart attacks in

young adults requires a comprehensive approach that
addresses the underlying causes of this trend. By
promoting healthy lifestyle choices and raising
awareness of the risk factors associated with heart
disease, we can help reduce the incidence of heart
attacks in this age group and improve public health
outcomes.