Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in most racial and ethnic groups in the United States and the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada. Heart disease is at a higher risk of affecting people over 60. However, one of the many compelling reasons you should get tested for heart disease in your 20s is that 2 in 10 deaths happen in adults less than 65 years old. In fact, in 2020, it was more commonly reported in people between the ages of 20-39 than in previous years. Why is this number increasing? Continue reading to find out why you should get tested for heart disease in your 20s.
Smoking and Alcohol Use
Smoking and substance use are among the highest risk factors for heart disease. Excessive alcohol and substance use over time can develop into many issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and liver disease. However, smoking causes 1 in 3 deaths due to cardiovascular failure. Even smoking as little as five cigarettes a week affects your heart. Smoking tobacco causes blood vessels to thicken and constrict, increasing plaque build-up. After a year of quitting smoking, your risk of developing coronary heart disease is reduced by half. If you participate in excessive alcohol consumption and/or smoke cigarettes — getting tested for heart disease should be one of your top priorities.
Family History of Heart Disease
If one or many people in your family have a history of heart disease. In that case, you are at 1.5 times the increased risk of developing heart disease than someone who does not. This information is imperative for your doctor to know. It can link any symptoms of heart disease at a younger age to your family history, which can catch heart disease before a heart attack occurs. It is also crucial to your well-being in the future as you manage your lifestyle with this in mind. Talk to your family to learn more about your family history to stay on top of your heart health!
High Cholesterol and Hypertension
High blood pressure and cholesterol are among the most common risks of heart disease in young adults in North America. In fact, high cholesterol is becoming increasingly common in young adults. This is caused by an unhealthy and inactive lifestyle, eating too many saturated fats, processed foods, meats and full-fat dairy. In 2021, 27% of adults between 18 and 39 had high LDL scores. LDL is a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol that can build up on the walls of your blood vessels. This plaque build-up can cause heart disease and stroke in adults of any age. Monitoring your cholesterol levels at a younger age can cause fewer heart problems in the future. Getting an LDL test in your 20s can give you an accurate look at how your lifestyle affects your health.
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