Your Risk Of A Heart Attack Goes Up When You Reach This Age

While awareness about heart attacks has undoubtedly increased in recent years, these frightening events are still quite prevalent in the U.S. According to data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone experiences a heart attack about every 40 seconds, affecting an estimated 805,000 people each year. The majority of these cases are first-time heart attacks, which also typically increase with age. While certain risk factors can gradually worsen the risk over time, some research suggests there is an age range where heart attack risks significantly increase: ages 65 to 74.

Also known as a myocardial infarction, a heart attack can technically occur at any age. This serious medical event is characterized by a sudden cessation or reduction of blood flow to the heart, and coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common underlying cause. With CAD, there is an excess amount of plaque buildup in the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis). Early stages of atherosclerosis can develop early in adulthood, with the effects rapidly accelerating during mid-life. Most adults over the age of 60 have atherosclerosis, although the severity can vary. Aside from heart attack, atherosclerosis also increases your risk of stroke, heart failure, and vascular dementia.

Previous research published in Clinics in Geriatric Medicine further evaluated the prevalence of heart attacks based on age range. Here, the authors reported that heart attacks occurred seven times as often in adults ages 65 to 74 versus those in the 35-to-44 age group. What's more, the American Heart Association notes that the majority of CAD-related deaths are in adults over the age of 65.

There's also different statistics to consider regarding heart attack and age. According to the Office on Women's Health, 72 is the average age for a first heart attack in women, while 64 is the average in men. Yet the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute also notes that heart attack risks increase in women after the age of 55, and in men over 45.

Since most heart attacks are caused by blockages from atherosclerosis that naturally increase with age, then it makes sense that most adults' heart attack risks go up during this time, too. Aside from an increased presence of atherosclerosis in older adults, there are other factors that may weaken your heart muscle. Your heart naturally experiences a thickened heart wall with age, as well as stiffening in the valves. Heart attack risks also increase in females after menopause due to natural estrogen losses.

While the risk of a heart attack still goes up with age, this medical emergency is unfortunately becoming increasingly common among younger adults, as well. Today, about one out of every five heart attacks occur in adults under the age of 40, according to the American College of Cardiology. A higher prevalence of contributing risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity may be connected.

You cannot change your age or any genetic predisposition that might influence the risk of having a heart attack. However, there are certain risk factors that can be controlled. Avoiding the unhealthiest foods for your heart while maintaining an active lifestyle can go a long way in reducing your heart attack risk, as well as avoiding these habits that might increase the risk of early death. Managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can also help. If you smoke, now is a good time to consider talking with a doctor about quitting for the sake of your heart health.

Adopting healthy lifestyle choices can decrease your risk of a heart attack at any age — even with a family history of heart disease. Talk with a doctor about measurements that are important for your own health, particularly if you have risk factors for heart attack.