Young Adulthood and Women’s Health

The teen years and young adulthood are filled with new experiences, challenges and opportunities. But many teens already have risk factors for heart disease, including:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Overweight and obesity
• Type 2 diabetes

During these years, it’s important to build heart-healthy habits that can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke and support lifelong health.

How Puberty Affects Heart Health in Girls

Puberty brings physical, emotional and social changes that can affect a young woman's heart health and brain health.

Early puberty and heart-health risks

Girls who begin menstruating early, before age 10, may face additional challenges. Research has linked early puberty to a higher risk of:

• Depression and anxiety
• Body image concerns
• Unhealthy eating behaviors
• Eating disorders

Support from parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, teachers and trusted adults can help girls build confidence and develop healthy habits during this important stage of life.

Hormones and Physical Changes

During puberty, hormone levels rise and help the body grow and develop. These hormones affect more than growth. They also influence how the heart, blood vessels and metabolism work.

As girls move through puberty, body fat distribution may change, cholesterol levels can shift and blood pressure may increase. These are normal parts of development, but they can affect cardiovascular health over time. This is why the teen years are an important time to develop healthy habits that support a healthy heart including being physically active and eating healthy.

Being physically active. Regular physical activity helps strengthen the heart, improve mood and lower the risk of future heart disease. However, many girls become less active during their teen years.

Some common reasons include:

• Body image concerns
• Feeling unsafe while exercising
• Gender stereotypes around sports
• Challenges related to menstruation and periods

Research shows that nearly 1 in 5 girls who participate in organized sports have considered quitting because of menstrual concerns. Finding enjoyable ways to stay active can help support both physical and mental health.

Eating healthy. The teen years are also a time when girls may become more aware of food, weight and body image.

Some girls may experience:

• Restrictive dieting
• Skipping meals
• Excessive worry about weight
• Negative body image

These challenges can affect nutrition, emotional well-being, and affect heart and brain health. Building a healthy relationship with food means nourishing your body, enjoying a variety of healthy foods and treating yourself with kindness.

Emotional and Social Changes

Mental well-being and Social Changes. Mental health is an important part of overall health, including heart health. Research shows that depression and anxiety become more common in girls during adolescence. By age 17, girls are about twice as likely as boys to be diagnosed with depression.

Common challenges during the teen years include:

• Changes in appearance and body image
• Academic pressure
• Friendship and relationship stress
• Social media and societal expectations

Seeking support when you need it is a sign of strength. Taking care of your mental health can also help support healthy habits and a healthy heart.

Heart-Healthy Habits Every Teen Girl Can Start Today

Simple Ways to Protect Your Heart

• Be physically active every day.
• Eat nutritious foods.
• Get enough sleep.
• Manage stress in healthy ways.
• Avoid tobacco and nicotine products.
• Reach out for support when you need it.

The healthy habits you build as a teen can help lower your risk of heart disease and support lifelong wellness. Keeping up with regular appointments with your doctor is also important. Make sure to share any health or mental well-being concerns with your healthcare team so they can look out for clues that may indicate future health risks.