Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
14991338 tn?1447193706

how rare is a HEART ATTACK in youngsters, not cardiac arrest

i always hear about cardiac arrest in the young and athletes but very very rarely about heart attacks.
not electrical problems but plumbing problems.
is it an older persons health problem?
do youngsters get blocked clogged arteries?
by young i mean under 25
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
It is indeed a pretty rare occurrence, but not one that is non-existent.  A combination of lifestyle, genetics, and sheer "luck" can lead someone to have a heart attack.  However, I do believe people greatly underestimated the age range people can have a heart attack.  Many seem to think it happens around 60-70, when in fact people should start worrying about it in their 40s.  Sigh.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It is indeed a pretty rare occurrence, but not one that is non-existent.  A combination of lifestyle, genetics, and sheer "luck" can lead someone to have a heart attack.  However, I do believe people greatly underestimated the age range people can have a heart attack.  Many seem to think it happens around 60-70, when in fact people should start worrying about it in their 40s.  Sigh.
Helpful - 0
10894761 tn?1413637884
One example of a young guy who had a healthy lifestyle and died from a heart attack is Andy Irons (the surfer).  He used some drugs but the main cause of his death was atherosclerosis. He was 32. But that is very very very rare.
Helpful - 0
1807132 tn?1318743597
I do think very often the media mixes up heart attack with cardiac arrest.  I didn't know they were different issues until I started to have heart problems myself.  Thought the terms were interchangeable though you would think the media would take the time to learn the difference.  Goes to show you can't believe everything you hear on TV.
Helpful - 0
1124887 tn?1313754891
Yes, it is very uncommon at younger age. Clogged arteries don't just occur, they are the result of decades of high blood pressure, smoking or high cholesterol. Anyone can, of course, accidently have a heart attack, but the chance in a young healthy man is about the same as getting hit by an object from space.

I would probably worry about 2.000 other things before I would worry about a heart attack at your age and with your healthy lifestyle with lots of exercise.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
LOL! i thought so. very very rarely have i heard of a youngster having a genuine heart attack, as opposed to dumb reporters not knowing the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack. that would be mad though wouldnt it? a 25 year old having a blocked artery.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.