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Emerging Adulthood: A Critical Time for Lifelong Heart Health

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Emerging adulthood, which spans ages 18-25, is a critical period for developing habits that will shape lifelong heart health. During this stage, behaviors that diminish heart health, such as increased sedentary activity and consumption of fast food, become more common. In fact, only about 1 in 4 youths maintain positive health behavior patterns during this transition. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the rate of heart disease in people under 40 has more than doubled since 2010.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emerging adulthood is a critical period for developing habits that will shape lifelong heart health, with most risk factors for heart disease emerging before age 25.
  • behaviors that diminish heart health, such as increased sedentary activity and consumption of fast food, become more common during this stage.
  • Only about 1 in 4 youths maintain positive health behavior patterns during this transition to adulthood.
  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with the rate of heart disease in people under 40 more than doubling since 2010.
  • The rate of heart disease in people under 40 has tripled among those using tobacco products.
  • Nicotine exposure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, with 21% of 18- to 23-year-olds using nicotine products in 2002, rising to 43% in 2018.
  • Obesity is another early risk factor, with 1 in 5 young people under age 25 having a BMI of 30 or higher, and projections suggesting nearly 3 in 5 will meet that threshold by age 35.
  • Fewer than half of adults ages 18-34 recognize high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of physical activity as heart disease risk factors.
  • Societal factors, including access to health care, education level, and economic stability, play a significant role in shaping heart health.
  • Policies that expand access to health care and make it easy for young people to take advantage of preventive services can make a real difference in heart health.
  • Living in a neighborhood with access to outdoor spaces can make it easier to engage in activities that support heart health.
  • Strong, supportive relationships are linked to better overall well-being, including heart health.
  • The "Essential 8" set of evidence-based measures developed by the American Heart Association can help young people establish lifelong habits for a healthy heart.

Statistics:

  • The rate of heart disease in people under 40 has more than doubled since 2010.
  • The rate of heart disease in people under 40 has tripled among those using tobacco products.
  • 21% of 18- to 23-year-olds used nicotine products in 2002, rising to 43% in 2018.
  • 1 in 5 young people under age 25 have a BMI of 30 or higher.
  • Nearly 3 in 5 young people are projected to have a BMI of 30 or higher by age 35.
  • Fewer than half of adults ages 18-34 recognize high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of physical activity as heart disease risk factors.

Sources:

  • The Conversation -- USA, March 2025
  • Jewel Scott, Assistant Professor of Nursing Science, University of South Carolina
  • American Heart Association
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Pew Research
  • Kali9/E+ via Getty Images
  • Kmatta/Moment via Getty Images

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