Heart attacks are no longer a concern primarily limited to older adults. Studies show a rise in heart attacks among younger adults under 40. While heart attacks remain a leading cause of death, this shift toward younger people is growing.

According to the American College of Cardiology, the heart attack rate in this age group grew by nearly 2% each year during a 16-year study from 2000 to 2016. Today, about one in five heart attacks occur in people under 40. This trend is significant compared to previous decades when heart attacks were rare in younger populations.

More young people are being diagnosed with diabetes and obesity:

• 38.1 million adults age 18 and older, which is 14.7% of all adults in the United States, have diabetes.
• 40.3% of adults age 20 and older experience obesity.

Other risk factors for heart disease in younger adults include:

• Inherited and medical conditions
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Family history of heart disease
• Lifestyle and health behaviors
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Chronic stress

“If you have a strong family history of heart disease, you are at higher risk for a heart attack,” says Dr. Mutharasan.

Although a family history of heart disease can increase the risk of a heart attack, lifestyle choices often tip the scale. Both inherited and behavioral factors can lead to damage to the coronary artery and weakened heart muscles.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Adults Under 40

Classic symptoms of a heart attack like chest pain or pressure and shortness of breath are not always present or obvious right away in younger adults.

Other early signs to watch for include:

• Unexplained sweating
• Dizziness
• Discomfort in the neck, jaw or arm

Women may experience different or additional symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or abdominal discomfort above the belly button that may be mistaken for acid reflux

“A lot of the time, symptoms in younger adults are the same symptoms seen in older adults,” says Dr. Mutharasan. “But heart attack symptoms can be different for everyone. They can also come in a variety of patterns. Sometimes they build gradually over time and sometimes they come on suddenly.”

Ignoring symptoms can delay treatment and worsen outcomes. Seek immediate medical attention or call 911 if you have these symptoms.

Prevention and Screening: Start Early

Preventing heart attacks starts with strong heart-healthy habits.

The American Heart Association recommends following Life's Essential 8, a set of important measures to improve and maintain heart health:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Be more active
• Quit tobacco
• Get healthy sleep
• Manage weight
• Watch cholesterol
• Manage blood sugar
• Manage blood pressure

“Know your numbers like blood pressure and risk factors like family history. To lower your risk of a heart attack, find ways to reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol if they are high,” says Dr. Mutharasan.

People with increased risk factors should start screenings like blood pressure and cholesterol checks at age 20. This helps assess heart disease risk early.

“Get age-appropriate screenings like a coronary calcium scan,” says Dr. Mutharasan. “You can start by talking with your primary care physician about what you can do now to help prevent heart disease.”

Wearable technology and health apps are another proactive way to help prevent health issues. They can track your heart rate and alert you to any irregularities worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Heart Attack Outcomes in Adults Under 40

Experiencing a heart attack at a young age often comes as a shock — both physically and emotionally.

Younger people usually recover better than older adults because they tend to have fewer chronic conditions and stronger overall health. However, having a heart attack early can raise the risk of another one.

“Anyone who has had a heart attack is more likely to have a future cardiac event,” says Dr. Mutharasan.

Building heart-healthy habits can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes. These include:

• Regular exercise
• Balanced nutrition
• Managing stress

Medical treatments and recovery

If you do have a heart attack, your care team will create a treatment plan. Depending on the blockage (full or partial), treatment will likely include surgery and cardiac medications.

Treatment challenges often include sticking to heart medications and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes, especially for those who feel like they’re “too young” for serious illness.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are strongly recommended because they can improve recovery and reduce future risk. Through these programs, your healthcare team can provide education, exercise guidance and emotional support.

Looking ahead, prevention remains a major focus. Cardiologists and other physicians often encourage their patients to monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar regularly, even after recovery from surgery. Early awareness and proactive care are essential to breaking the cycle of repeat cardiac events.

The Myth That You’re Too Young to Have a Heart Attack

Many young people believe they’re safe from heart attacks, but that’s a dangerous myth. Heart disease can happen to young people, too.

“It’s common for people to think they’re too young to have a heart attack,” says Dr. Mutharasan. “Always be thoughtful and really honor your body’s signals. If something seems off, seek help right away.”

Prevention, including regular exercise and eating healthy, starts early. If you notice any symptoms, don’t ignore them — get them checked. It’s always better to be seen by your physician than risk leaving symptoms untreated.