The average age of people at the time of their first heart attack is 65.5 years for males and 72 years for females. The risk increases as a person ages.
Although having a heart attack is uncommon when a person is young, the American College of Cardiology states that people under 40 are now experiencing heart attacks more often, with a 2% increase over the last decade.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the heart muscle, usually due to a blockage. When this happens, the heart does not get enough oxygen and blood.
Without treatment, the damage to the heart muscle becomes irreversible and leads to a heart attack.
This article covers the risk of a heart attack based on a person’s age.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
Statistics from the
However, heart attacks can happen to anyone. An article from 2019 notes that the incidence of heart attacks is rising in those under the age of 40.
Based on the findings from a
The researchers note that compared to men, young women were more likely to have a history of conditions that can increase the chance of a heart attack, including:
However, they were less likely to smoke.
The researchers also note that young women are more likely to have health insurance, which means they may be more likely to seek medical attention, resulting in higher hospitalization rates.
A
An
Based on 322,523 people, the
| Age | Incidence of MI-CAD and MINOCA combined |
|---|---|
| Over 50 | 18% |
| 50–59 | 27% |
| 60–69 | 26% |
| 70–79 | 18% |
| 80–89 | 12% |
A
| Age | Incidence of heart attack per 100,000 people |
|---|---|
| 20–29 | 2.1 |
| 30–39 | 16.9 |
| 40–49 | 97.6 |
The authors noted that, compared to older adults, those who experienced a heart attack under the age of 45 were more likely to:
- be male
- smoke
- have obesity
- have a family history of premature heart attacks
The
Some of these changes include:
- A buildup of fatty deposits: Fat can build up on the artery walls. This will narrow the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This condition is called atherosclerosis.
- Hardening of the arteries: As a person ages, the arteries become harder. When the arteries are not as flexible as they should be, the risk of having a heart attack could increase.
- Thickened heart walls: The walls of the heart may thicken, leading to increased heart size. The volume of blood reduces despite the larger size of the heart.
- Weak heart valves: The heart contains four valves that work to prevent blood from moving in the wrong direction. As a person ages, these valves may become stiffer or weaker, making it hard for the heart to control blood flow.
- Increased sodium sensitivity: Some people may become more sensitive to sodium while others may not. The NIA reports that an increase in sodium sensitivity can increase a person’s risk of a heart attack.
The
- Age: As people get older, their chances of heart attack increases.
- Sex: Males are more prone to heart attacks compared to females.
- Genetics: People who have family members who have had a heart attack may have a higher chance of having a heart attack.
Other risk factors may include:
- diabetes
- smoking
- high blood cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- physical inactivity
- having overweight or obesity
- menopause
- stress
- alcohol
- an unhealthy diet that does not include foods containing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
The AHA also notes that, compared to white people, heart disease is more likely to develop in those who are:
- African American
- Mexican American
- American Indian
- native Hawaiian
- Asian American
Many factors play a role in high rates of heart disease in historically marginalized populations. These can include:
- socioeconomic disparities
- a lack of access to healthcare
- discrimination in healthcare
To reduce the risk of having a heart attack, people can try:
- Stopping smoking: The
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) reports that chemicals in tobacco smoke can destroy the function of the heart as well as its blood vessels. This could lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of a heart attack. Avoiding smoke can dramatically boost the heart’s performance as well as other vital organs in the body. - Avoiding passive smoke: The
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that passive or secondhand smoking can increase the risk of a heart attack. - Reducing their cholesterol level: Having high cholesterol levels, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can increase the chance of heart attacks. A person can speak with a doctor to find out the best treatment plan for lowering high cholesterol levels in the body.
- Maintaining normal blood pressure: High blood pressure could alter structures in the heart and decrease its efficiency. To help regulate their blood pressure, a person can take medications, engage in physical activity, and eat a healthy diet.
- Managing stress: Recent
research has proven that chronic stress is a risk factor for heart disease and, consequently, a heart attack. - Getting regular exercise: The
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that adults utilize at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. - Maintaining a moderate weight. A
2021 report pointed out that a wider waist circumference is a great factor in having a heart attack. People should try to achieve and maintain a moderate weight.
Heart attacks are medical emergencies. Call 911 or emergency help if a person is experiencing a heart attack.
Heart attack symptoms can differ in each individual. However, the major symptoms
- chest pain
- trouble breathing
- neck, jaw, or back pain
- sweating
- dizziness
- fatigue
- nausea
- pain in both arms or shoulders
Females may experience different heart attack symptoms. Similarly to males, chest pain is the
- pressure, fullness, pain, or squeezing in the center of the chest
- pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- shortness of breath
- cold sweat
- nausea
- lightheadedness
Is it rare to have a heart attack in your 20s?
Yes, it is rare for a person to have a heart attack in their 20s. Heart attacks are much more common in older adults, typically occurring over the
However, certain risk factors such as genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and medical conditions can increase the likelihood of a heart attack at a younger age, though still relatively uncommon.
How likely is it for a 25 year old to have a heart attack?
It is unlikely for a 25 year old to have a heart attack. They are much more common in older adults, typically occurring over the
That said, the proportion of very young people having a heart attack has been increasing. In addition to traditional risk factors, such as high cholesterol and smoking, this may be due to higher reports of substance misuse in this age group.
What percent of heart attacks are fatal?
According to a 2019 study, about
Can a healthy person have a heart attack?
Yes, a healthy person can have a heart attack.
While certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions increase the risk, heart attacks can occur even in individuals who are seemingly healthy. This may occur due to genetic predisposition or stress.
Heart attacks can occur at any age. However, the risk increases as a person gets older. Over the past decade, the prevalence of heart attacks in those under 40 appears to have increased.
Being male or having a family history of heart disease can contribute to the chances of having a heart attack.
A person can alter some risk factors, such as changing their smoking habits, eating habits, levels of physical activity, and alcohol consumption.
People should speak with a doctor to find out how to reduce their chance of having a heart attack.