It’s a question I hear more and more: "Can young people get heart disease?" The short answer is yes — and it’s not as rare as many might think. While we often associate heart conditions with older adults, I’ve seen first-hand how they can affect people in their 20s, 30s and even teenagers.
The good news is that early awareness and lifestyle choices can significantly reduce risk. I’ll explain how and why heart disease can develop in younger people, the signs to look for, and what steps you can take to protect your long-term heart health.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. These include:
Coronary artery disease – where arteries become narrowed or blocked
Heart valve problems – such as leaking or narrowed valves
Heart failure – when the heart doesn’t pump efficiently
Arrhythmias – abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation
Congenital heart disease – structural issues present from birth
Cardiomyopathy – disease of the heart muscle, which may be genetic
When we talk about cardiovascular disease more broadly, we also include conditions like stroke and peripheral artery disease — all linked to how well blood flows around the body.
Are Young People Really at Risk?
While heart disease is more common in older adults, it absolutely can — and does — affect younger people. In fact, the British Heart Foundation reports that thousands of people under 40 are diagnosed each year in the UK.
Here are some of the ways it can happen:
1. Inherited Conditions
Some forms of heart disease run in families. Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle), long QT syndrome, and certain arrhythmias can be passed down genetically. Many of these can go unnoticed until a screening or symptom occurs.
2. Congenital Heart Defects
These are structural issues present from birth. Some are diagnosed in childhood, but others may not cause problems until adulthood — or may be picked up incidentally on a scan or ECG.
3. Lifestyle-Related Heart Disease
Sadly, we’re seeing a rise in lifestyle-related cardiovascular disease in younger adults. Factors like poor diet, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and inactivity can all contribute — and may cause damage much earlier than people realise.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Younger Adults
I always encourage patients of all ages to be aware of risk factors. Some you can’t control — but many you can. Here’s what we typically look for:
Family history of early heart disease or sudden cardiac death
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Smoking or vaping
Type 2 diabetes
Being overweight or obese
Poor diet (especially high in processed foods, sugar, and salt)
Lack of exercise
Stress or poor sleep
Use of recreational drugs like cocaine or anabolic steroids
Even one of these factors can increase risk — but multiple risk factors add up significantly over time.
Signs of Heart Disease in Young People
One of the challenges with younger patients is that symptoms can be subtle — or attributed to stress, anxiety, or being unfit. But it’s important not to ignore warning signs. These include:
Chest pain or discomfort, especially during exercise
Unexplained shortness of breath
Heart palpitations or fluttering sensations
Dizziness or fainting
Extreme fatigue
Swelling in the ankles or legs
A family member who died suddenly from a heart condition
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth speaking to your GP or cardiologist — even if you’re under 40.
How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed?
At Heartsure, we use a combination of simple tests to assess your heart health. These might include:
A 12-lead ECG – to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity
A blood pressure check – high readings are a silent risk factor
A cholesterol and blood sugar test – to check for metabolic risks
An echocardiogram – an ultrasound to assess how your heart pumps
A stress test – to see how your heart performs during exercise
Holter or 24-hour ECG monitoring – for symptoms like palpitations
If you’re young and have a strong family history of heart problems, genetic testing and screening of close relatives may also be recommended.
Can You Prevent Heart Disease?
The earlier you start looking after your heart, the better. Prevention really does make a difference — and in many cases, heart disease in young people is preventable or manageable with lifestyle changes.
Here are some simple steps I often recommend:
Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI checked regularly
Eat a balanced diet – rich in vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
Exercise – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
Quit smoking or vaping
Limit alcohol and ultra-processed foods
Manage stress and prioritise sleep
Know your family history – and don’t ignore symptoms
Even small changes, maintained over time, have a powerful effect.
When Should You Get Checked?
There’s no need to wait for symptoms to arise. If you’re under 40 but have risk factors — like family history, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol — it’s worth having a heart health check.
If you’re unsure where to start, a simple blood pressure reading or cholesterol test can give us a good starting point. From there, we can assess whether further tests are needed.
At Heartsure, we see younger patients regularly — not because they’re unwell, but because they’re taking a proactive approach to their health. If you’d like to do the same, contact us here to arrange a consultation.
Final Thoughts
So, can young people get heart disease? Absolutely. But with the right information, early checks, and smart choices, it doesn ’t have to define your future.
Being young isn’t a guarantee of perfect heart health — but it is the perfect time to take action. Whether you’re looking for reassurance or are experiencing symptoms that don’t feel right, there’s support available.
