Young Age, Is It Possible to Have a Heart Attack?

When hearing the term heart attack, most people immediately imagine an elderly person who suddenly feels chest pain, then has to be taken to the hospital. However, did you know that heart attacks do not only attack the elderly? Young people are also at risk of experiencing this incident. In fact, studies have shown an increase in cases of heart attacks at a young age in recent decades. It is important for the public, especially young people, to understand why this can happen, what the signs are, and what preventive measures can be taken.

What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or in medical terms called myocardial infarction, is an emergency condition in which blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly interrupted or stopped altogether. Our heart muscle gets a supply of blood rich in oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels called coronary arteries. When this supply stops, usually due to blockage of the coronary artery due to rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, the heart muscle will begin to experience damage and even death, especially if left untreated. Therefore, a heart attack is an emergency condition that requires medical treatment as soon as possible.

Why Can Young People Have Heart Attacks?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of heart attack even though you are still young, including:

• Unhealthy Lifestyle

Modern lifestyles sometimes encourage us to consume fast food that is high in fat and sugar. This habit is at risk of causing plaque buildup in blood vessels. In the United States, about 27% of young people aged 18-24 years are reported to consume fast food every day (CDC, 2020), which contributes to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—all major risk factors for heart attack.

• Excessive Stress

A WHO survey found that 264 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorders, and this number is highest among young people. Chronic stress can trigger the release of the hormone cortisol which, if continuously increased, can weaken the heart and blood vessels.

• Certain Health Conditions

Diabetes and hypertension at a young age are now increasing sharply. Data from the CDC shows that 1 in 5 young adults (aged 20-39 years) in the United States have hypertension, and this number continues to increase in various countries, including Indonesia. Both of these conditions directly increase the risk of heart disease, including premature heart attacks.

• Genetic Factors

If there is a family history of heart attacks at a young age, the risk can be doubled compared to those without a family history (Singh, 2018). In Indonesia, a survey shows that around 20% of cases of premature heart attacks are related to genetic factors.

These factors are very important for us to know together to increase awareness about heart attacks, so what are the symptoms and how to prevent them? Let's see the second part of this health article, friends of Hermina Manado.

If you experience these complaints, please do a health check at the nearest health service and you can also go to RSU Hermina Manado, especially at the heart & blood vessel polyclinic to get direct treatment from our specialist doctors. The doctor's practice schedule at RSU Hermina Manado can be accessed via the website and the Halo Hermina mobile application.