A big problem is caused by the sedentary lifestyles of people in their 30s and 40s.
SAN ANTONIO — Heart disease is the leading cause of death here in the United States and in Texas. However, new research shows that the incidence of heart attacks is increasing in younger people.
The target age group is people in their 30s to 40s. Cardiologists say more people in this age group end up in the ER. But why does this happen?
Michelle Rosenstein, a nutritionist at Preventive Cardiology, tells KENS 5, “A sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and many diet fads out there can actually promote plaque formation in your arteries. “This is the number one cause of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.” ”
Increasing rates of smoking, obesity, high stress, and not going to the doctor when you should are also major contributing factors. Rosenstein added: “They may not go to the doctor frequently to evaluate high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar levels, or even underlying inflammation.”
The study by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center surveyed 2,000 Americans over the age of 18. The survey found that nearly half of people under 45, or 47%, believe they are at no risk of heart disease. “This is really concerning because we have an opportunity to reduce this rate, not increase it. In fact, it should go down,” Rosenstein said.
Signs that you may be having a heart attack include feeling tired or fatigued, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a pounding heart.
Rosenstein said he has seen more athletes having heart attacks in recent years. “If someone exercises too much and doesn't get the right nutrition, what ends up happening is that the body is exposed to a lot of oxidative stress, which can also lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries. ” she says.
Rosenstein also said that 80 percent of heart disease is preventable through proper nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and annual physical exams.
