Let’s be honest: heart attacks aren’t just something that happens to older people anymore—they’ve become a real worry for young adults too.
The World Health Organization reports that around 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2022. That’s nearly one in three deaths worldwide. And most of these—about 85%—were due to heart attacks or strokes.
Here’s another eye-opener: in 2021, at least 38% of the 18 million premature deaths under 70 were linked to cardiovascular issues. So yeah, heart attacks aren’t just an “older person’s problem.” They can affect younger people too, making it a serious global health concern.
In this article, we’ll break down what a heart attack actually is, why it happens, and who’s more at risk. Plus, we’ll see how small, everyday changes can really help protect our hearts—and why keeping up with regular check-ups matters more than you might think.
Ready? Let’s dive in and give our hearts some well-deserved attention.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, medically known as an “acute myocardial infarction,” can sound complicated—but let’s break it down in simpler terms (1).
In short, a heart attack happens when the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart suddenly and completely get blocked, leaving a part of the heart muscle without oxygen and causing damage. This can disrupt the heart’s normal function and lead to serious complications (1).
Think of your heart as a city and the blood vessels as its roads. If one of these roads gets blocked, oxygen and nutrients can’t reach that area, and the heart muscle starts to suffer. Over time, layers of fat, cholesterol, and calcium build up on the walls of the vessels—this is the most common cause of blockage, and in medical terms, it’s called atherosclerosis (2).
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
The classic signs of a heart attack include (1):
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Pressure, pain, burning, or tightness in the chest
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Pain spreading to the left arm, shoulder, back, or jaw
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Shortness of breath
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Cold sweat, nausea, dizziness
But remember, not every heart attack starts the same way. Some people experience less obvious symptoms such as extreme fatigue, stomach discomfort, or general weakness. These “silent” symptoms are especially common in women (1).
According to the NHS (National Health Service), the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. However, some people may experience less obvious signs, like nausea, or pain in the back or jaw.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect a heart attack, don’t wait thinking “it might pass.” Every minute counts—go to the emergency room immediately.
What Causes a Heart Attack?
Although a heart attack may seem to occur suddenly, it actually develops over many years. The arteries gradually narrow, their inner walls become damaged, and blood flow becomes more difficult.
So, what are the main factors that accelerate this process?
Unhealthy diet: Foods high in saturated fats, processed products, and sugary drinks increase the buildup of plaque on artery walls. These plaques narrow the arteries and can lead to heart attacks (3).
Smoking: Smoking constricts blood vessels, reduces oxygen transport, and puts extra strain on the heart. People who smoke have a significantly higher risk of heart disease (3).
Physical inactivity: Not exercising regularly raises cholesterol, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels. Regular physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining heart health (4).
Stress: Chronic stress negatively affects heart rhythm and blood pressure. Managing stress can significantly improve heart health (4).
Lack of sleep: Sleeping less than six hours a night increases the risk of heart disease by around 20%. Getting enough sleep is essential for a healthy heart (4).
Excess weight and diabetes: Both disrupt metabolism, damage blood vessel walls, and increase the risk of heart disease (3,4).
A heart attack is often the result of our lifestyle habits.
The good news is that by changing those same habits, we have the power to reduce our risk.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Some people carry a slightly higher risk of having a heart attack than others. For example (5):
- Those with a family history of heart disease
- People with diabetes or high blood pressure
- Individuals with high cholesterol
- Smokers
- People under chronic stress
- Those who don’t get enough sleep or are overweight.
But don’t worry! If you find yourself in one of these groups, it’s not a warning—it’s actually an opportunity. Now is the perfect time to take action.
Protecting your heart can be surprisingly simple: short walks, regular sleep, and a balanced diet can make a big difference.
And if you want some extra support, you can also check out our Heart Health Bundle, specially designed to support your cardiovascular wellness.
Disclaimer:
These supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you take medication or have existing health conditions.
Heart Disease in Men vs. Women
According to the American Heart Association, men tend to experience heart attacks earlier in life, while women’s risk rises sharply after menopause and by their 60s, it equals that of men.
Symptoms can also differ between men and women. Men usually experience the classic “chest pain radiating to the arm,” whereas women often notice subtler signs such as shortness of breath, nausea, jaw or back pain, or unusual fatigue.
That’s why awareness and regular screening are crucial for women, especially after menopause.
How Can We Protect Our Heart and Prevent Heart Attacks?
Did you know that around 80% of heart attacks can be prevented through lifestyle changes? Yes, research from the European Society of Cardiology clearly support this (6).
Even if you have a genetic predisposition, your lifestyle choices can be more powerful than your genes. By adopting healthy habits, it’s possible to protect your heart and even extend your life.
Choose a Heart-Friendly Diet
Mediterranean-style eating: Focus on olive oil, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains (6).
Get Moving
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (6).
Quit Smoking
Just one year after quitting smoking, your risk of a heart attack drops by nearly half (6).
Sleep
Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep every night (6).
Regular Check-Ups
Keeping your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels under control is one of the most effective ways to prevent a heart attack (6).
Ask your doctor for a routine cardiovascular screening at least once a year.
This typically includes measuring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and sometimes an ECG.
However, traditional cholesterol testing (total, HDL, LDL) doesn’t tell the full story.
For a clearer picture of your cardiovascular risk, consider asking for tests that include apoB, triglycerides, and VLDL — these markers provide better insight into plaque formation and arterial health.
Good news: you can monitor many heart health markers at home!
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Blood Pressure (See reference chart by age and sex)
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Resting Heart Rate & Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
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HbA1C (for long-term blood sugar control)
Science-Backed Supplements for Extra Support
Some supplements can help support heart health. Of course, they cannot replace lifestyle changes, but they can provide additional support:
Curcumin:
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Research indicates that it may reduce arterial stiffness, lower the risk of heart disease, balance cholesterol, and improve vascular health (7).
For those interested in adding curcumin to their daily routine, you can check out our product.
Berberine:
Recent studies have shown that berberine may support heart health. Regular use can help reduce the risk of heart failure, manage high blood pressure, and maintain balanced blood lipid levels. Additionally, it may help prevent blood clotting and support the regulation of heart rhythm (8).
For those interested in adding berberine to their daily routine, you can check out our product.
Grape Seed Extract:
Grape seed extract possesses antioxidant properties and may support vascular health. A study found that grape seed extract significantly reduced blood pressure and heart rate (9).
For those interested in adding grape seed extract to their daily routine, you can check out our product.
Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart muscle. Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of heart disease (10).
For those interested in adding magnesium glycinate to their daily routine, you can check out our product.
Spermidine
Spermidine, as a natural dietary compound, may help protect the heart. Research indicates that adequate spermidine intake can help lower blood pressure, prevent heart enlargement, and preserve heart function. It may provide nutritional support against age-related increases in cardiovascular risk (11).
For those interested in adding spermidine to their daily routine, you can check out our product.
Every Heartbeat Is a Chance
A heart attack is not destiny. The small step you take today could save your life tomorrow.
Take care of your heart. It not only keeps you alive but also sets the rhythm of your life.
“We cannot stop aging, but we can slow it down — by protecting our heart, one beat at a time.”
Disclaimer:
These supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you take medication or have existing health conditions.
References
