Young Adulthood: A Critical Time to Head Off Heart Problems
Quick Facts
- By age 18, many teens already have risk factors for heart disease. These include high blood pressure, unhealthy weight, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.
- Changes in everyday life can raise heart risks as people move from their teens into their mid- and late 20s.
Changes in health care and habits
Kids and teens often visit a doctor for vaccines or sports checkups. These visits help track weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. At the same time, kids can learn about healthy habits before problems start.
As they become adults, they may lose the routines they had. Young adults might be less active, gain weight and get less sleep. School, work, travel and home demands can make it harder to stay healthy.
Tobacco use is also changing. From 2002 to 2018, the number of people who started using tobacco between ages 18 and 23 doubled. E-cigarettes are the most common product. Experts still need to learn more about how vaping affects the heart.
Problems getting health care
Paying for health care can be hard for young adults. They make up the largest share of the 27 million uninsured adults in the U.S. In some states, Medicaid ends at age 19. People on their parents’ insurance can lose that coverage at age 26.
College health clinics can help. But 40% of students go to two-year community colleges, which often do not have health care services. Young adults in trade programs or apprenticeships are also less likely to have health coverage.
Even when young adults have insurance, fewer than 4 in 10 use it regularly. Some may not know what services are available or how to get care.
Everyday things that affect heart health
- Education. People with more education tend to have better heart health. Schools can teach heart-healthy habits early and often.
- Neighborhoods. Areas without clean air, safe water or places to exercise can harm heart health.
- Relationships. Support from friends and partners can help people quit smoking and be more active.
- Money. Not having enough money can make it harder to buy healthy food or get health care.
How to improve care
When young adults seek health care for any reason, it’s important to talk about heart health, too. Short, rushed visits can miss chances to find and treat heart risks early.
