Heart disease is often associated with older adults, but it’s increasingly affecting younger people. In South Africa, one in five deaths is due to heart disease, and unhealthy habits are putting younger generations at risk. The misconception that heart health problems only happen later in life can be deadly.
Heart disease and young adults
Younger people are not immune to heart disease. Conditions like high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes are becoming more prevalent in people under 40. Additionally, arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (Afib) are also affecting younger individuals. Afib, which causes irregular heartbeats, increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.
In South Africa, over 45% of men and women aged 25-34 suffer from high blood pressure. Heart health issues can develop without noticeable symptoms, and many people only discover these problems when it’s too late.
Other heart health problems in younger people
Aside from Afib, other heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, and heart valve disorders can impact young adults. Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, can lead to heart failure and is sometimes inherited. According to reports, cardiovascular diseases account for around 17% of premature deaths (under 60 years old) in South Africa. It highlights the urgency of addressing heart health in younger populations.
Lifestyle risks
Many of the risks for heart disease are lifestyle-related. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a poor diet, and a lack of physical activity contribute to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Nearly 16.4% of South Africans smoke, and unhealthy diets high in processed foods, sugars, and fats exacerbate the risk of heart disease. Despite national guidelines recommending 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, most South Africans don’t meet this goal, leading to a higher prevalence of heart problems.
Mental health and stress
Chronic stress and anxiety, common among younger people, can contribute to heart health problems. Stress elevates cortisol levels, which in turn raises blood pressure and inflammation. If left unmanaged, these stress factors increase the risk of heart disease.
It’s never too early to start taking care of your heart. Young people can improve their heart health before it’s too late by making better lifestyle choices and undergoing regular check-ups. Schedule an appointment with an Intercare GP to assess your heart health and discuss ways to lower your risk of heart disease. Early detection and intervention can save lives.
