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38 Irrawaddy Road #08-51, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563
Heart conditions are often associated with age and older adults. However, this is not necessarily true. In fact, younger individuals are increasingly being diagnosed with heart disease. In Singapore, research has shown that the average age of heart failure diagnoses is 61, which is nearly a decade younger than in many Western countries. This trend calls for greater awareness about heart health, even for those who are younger.
In this article, we explore the common heart conditions affecting younger adults and discuss the causes and risk factors. We will also provide practical advice on how to look after your heart health at any age.
Heart conditions in younger adults may not always show symptoms until later, which can make them harder to detect early on. Familiarising yourself with the most common heart issues allows you to recognise them before they lead to more serious problems.
Congenital heart defects are heart abnormalities present from birth, though many people may not be aware of them until later in life. These defects can range from minor to severe and can include conditions like septal defects (holes in the heart) or malformed heart valves. Some congenital heart conditions are identified early through routine heart screenings or signs of distress, while others can remain undiagnosed until adulthood when symptoms finally appear.
For many individuals, congenital heart defects do not present any immediate risk, but they may require regular monitoring throughout life. In some cases, treatment or even surgery may be necessary to prevent complications.
Arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms, can affect younger adults more often than people realise. Conditions like atrial fibrillation (AF) or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) may occur, resulting in palpitations, dizziness, or fainting spells. Patients may also experience breathlessness, or chest tightness. These irregularities in the heart’s rhythm can disrupt its normal function, leading to blood flow issues and potential complications if left untreated.
While arrhythmias can sometimes be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or excessive caffeine consumption, they may also be genetic or linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet or excessive alcohol consumption. For younger adults, this heart condition is often manageable through medication or lifestyle changes. However, if left unaddressed, atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of more severe cardiovascular issues, such as stroke or heart failure.
HCM occurs when the heart muscle becomes enlarged or stiff, and, in some cases, affects its ability to pump blood. It is one of the most common genetic heart conditions, affecting individuals of all ages, as well as the leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes.
In its early stages, HCM may not present noticeable symptoms, which makes it challenging to detect without regular check-ups. The condition usually becomes apparent in the late teens and early twenties, and diagnosis typically begins with abnormalities detected in the patient’s ECG tests. Leaving this heart condition untreated can cause it to worsen over time, increasing the likelihood of further complications like heart failure or arrhythmias.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is commonly linked to older adults, but younger individuals can develop it as well. When the condition occurs in individuals under the age of 45, it is referred to as young CAD, which has a prevalence of 1.2% and can be as high as 5-10% in South Asians. This heart condition involves the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Over time, this plaque narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to heart attacks. Detection through routine screenings can help manage risk factors and prevent the progression of this early heart condition, reducing the likelihood of severe complications like heart attacks.
With early onset heart disease on the rise, we will need to become more aware of the lifestyle choices and risk factors contributing to the development of heart conditions.
With hectic schedules and the rising cost of living, many young adults often opt for quick, inexpensive meals that are high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugar. These choices may be convenient, but they can raise cholesterol levels, lead to plaque build-up in the arteries, and increase the risk of heart disease. These foods, high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, can also elevate blood pressure, putting further strain on the heart.
Long hours spent at work, studying, or in front of a screen—often with little time for exercise—can significantly affect heart health. Sitting for extended periods or skipping regular physical activity can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, and increased cholesterol levels, which are all key risk factors for heart disease.
While lifestyle choices play a significant role in heart health, genetics can also make a big difference. If you have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, your risk of developing similar conditions is higher, regardless of age. This genetic vulnerability means that you will need to be particularly mindful of your lifestyle choices and consider regular screening to maintain your heart health.
Unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of developing arrhythmias or heart attacks later on. If you smoke or drink excessively, quitting or cutting back can significantly improve your heart health.
Chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can strain the heart over time. These issues may often go undiagnosed in younger adults, but they significantly increase the likelihood of developing heart disease if not properly managed. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help prevent serious complications.
Knowing the causes and risk factors of heart disease is important, but it’s just as crucial to recognise the early warning signs. In this section, we will go over the key symptoms to watch out for, along with practical tips on how to take better care of your heart and keep it healthy at any stage of life.
While chest pain isn’t always a sign of a heart condition, persistent or unusual discomfort—especially during physical activity or times of stress—should be taken seriously. This type of chest discomfort could indicate underlying issues like angina (reduced blood flow to the heart) or arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms).
Feeling unusually tired, even after a full night’s rest, can be a sign that your heart is struggling to pump blood as efficiently as it should. This might point to conditions like cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff, or it could indicate early signs of heart failure
Difficulty breathing, especially during light physical activity or even while resting, may indicate that your heart is not functioning properly. This symptom can be a warning for early heart failure, where the heart has trouble pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the body’s needs. If this symptom worsens over time or comes on suddenly, consult a healthcare provider.
A racing or fluttering heartbeat, especially when at rest or during mild physical exertion, could be a sign of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or atrial or ventricular ectopics (extra heart beats). If these irregular heartbeats happen frequently, or if they are accompanied by dizziness or fainting, it is advisable to consult with a doctor.
Feeling light-headed or fainting can be caused by irregular blood flow due to arrhythmias or other heart conditions. These episodes can sometimes be triggered by low blood pressure, dehydration, or blocked blood vessels. They should never be ignored, as they can signal potential risks to your health that need to be investigated promptly.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen can indicate that your heart is struggling to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to build up in the lower body. This is often a symptom of heart failure, where the heart is unable to circulate blood efficiently, leading to fluid retention.
By catching these warning signs early, you can take action before things get more serious. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to listen to your body and get checked by a healthcare professional. The sooner you catch potential issues, the easier it can be to manage them and keep your heart healthy in the long run.
It is never too early to start taking care of your heart. Even if you are in your 20s or 30s, the habits you form now can set the foundation for a healthy heart in the future.
Your 20s are a critical time for laying the foundation of long-term heart health. Small choices made now can have a lasting impact. Focus on a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and try to limit consumption of unhealthy, oily foods. Make exercise a part of your routine, aiming for approximately 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.
Although you may feel healthy, it is advisable to start going for routine check-ups and heart screenings. This is especially important for those with a family history of heart disease or stroke. Any cardiovascular risk factors must be addressed early on so that disease does not develop later in life.
Your 30s are when life tends to get busier with work and relationships, but it is also when your heart starts to feel the effects of your lifestyle choices. At this stage, it is important to prioritise consistency, with regular exercise, stress management, and a balanced diet remaining a priority. However, managing stress becomes particularly crucial, as it can increase your risk for heart disease. Ensure that you find ways to relax, whether it is through a hobby, socialising with friends, or taking mental health days.
You should also start to keep an eye on your cholesterol and blood pressure, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
By your 40s, you may notice that your body’s metabolism naturally slows down, which can lead to weight gain. This makes weight management even more crucial for reducing the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Rather than making a drastic change, it is much better to aim for steady, sustainable habits. This could include swapping processed foods for more whole, nutritious options, or incorporating more movement into your daily life.
In addition, you should begin monitoring your blood sugar levels, as this can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes—a risk factor for heart disease.
Your doctor may also recommend diagnostic tests such as CT coronary angiogram, which helps identify any blockages or narrowing of the arteries to prevent heart attacks or CAD.
Regular check-ups allow doctors to keep an eye on key risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar levels—issues that often do not show obvious symptoms. Catching these silent risk factors early helps your cardiologist recommend lifestyle changes or medications that can help in heart disease prevention down the line.
During check-ups, your doctor will assess your individual risk based on factors like family history, age, gender, and lifestyle. This tailored approach allows them to create a plan that fits your needs, whether it is adjusting your diet and exercise or offering specific treatments to help lower your risk of heart conditions.
If you are already managing health conditions like hypertension or diabetes, regular check-ups are crucial to make sure your treatments are working. These visits allow your healthcare professional to adjust medications, offer lifestyle advice, or run further tests to help prevent complications from developing or worsening over time.
Routine blood tests can provide important information about your heart health, checking things like cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. In addition, screenings such as ECGs, echocardiograms, and a CT coronary angiogram can help detect early warning signs of heart disease, like irregular heart rhythms, structural issues, or plaque build-up in the arteries. These tests allow doctors to take action early and prevent more serious heart conditions from developing.
In some cases, it is possible for younger adults to reverse early-stage heart conditions with lifestyle changes, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Early intervention and consistent monitoring can significantly improve heart health and even reverse some risk factors, like high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
A basic screening could include an ECG (electrocardiogram) to assess heart rhythm, blood pressure measurements, and cholesterol profile and blood sugar levels. Individuals with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors may be asked to undergo additional tests like an echocardiogram test, or cardiac stress testing.
No, heart conditions in younger adults are not always genetic. While family history can increase the risk, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and stress play a significant role in developing heart disease. Conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, which are influenced by lifestyle, are also key risk factors.
Active individuals, including athletes, can prevent heart conditions by maintaining a balanced diet, staying consistent with cardiovascular exercise, and avoiding excessive strain. It is also essential to have regular check-ups to detect any underlying issues early and ensure that their exercise intensity remains safe for their health.
Heart conditions in younger adults are increasingly common, and the earlier you understand your risks, the better equipped you will be to prevent serious issues later on. Whether it is through a balanced diet, regular exercise, or simple lifestyle adjustments, taking proactive steps today can keep your heart strong for years to come.
Do not wait until symptoms appear—start prioritising your cardiovascular health now. Visit Dr. Leslie Tay for thorough assessments and personalised advice, regardless of your age. From routine screenings to tailored lifestyle recommendations, let our team support you in safeguarding your heart for the future.
Book an appointment with us today.
