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People should call 911 immediately if a person has symptoms relating to a heart attack. Although having a heart attack is uncommon when a person is young, the American College of Cardiology states that people under 40 are now experiencing heart attacks more often, with a 2% increase over the last decade. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the heart muscle, usually due to a blockage. When this happens, the heart does not get enough oxygen and blood. Without treatment, the damage to the heart muscle becomes irreversible and leads to a heart attack. This article covers the risk of a heart attack based on a person’s age. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. Is there an average age range for heart attacks Share on PinterestAsiaVision/Getty ImagesStatistics from the American Heart Association (AHA) state the average age of a person at the time of their first heart attack in the United States is 65.5 years for males and 72 years for females. However, heart attacks can happen to anyone. An article from 2019 notes that the incidence of heart attacks is rising in those under the age of 40. Can younger people have heart attacks Based on the findings from a 2018 study, hospitalizations for heart attacks are becoming more prevalent among those under the age of 55, particularly Black women. The researchers note that compared to men, young women were more likely to have a history of conditions that can increase the chance of a heart attack, including:hypertension (high blood pressure)diabeteschronic kidney diseasestroke However, they were less likely to smoke. The researchers also note that young women are more likely to have health insurance, which means they may be more likely to seek medical attention, resulting in higher hospitalization rates. A 2018 study consisting of 2,097 people found that a rise in cannabis and cocaine use in those under 50 years of age may be a contributing factor for heart attack. The researchers state that 10% of those with a heart attack have taken cocaine or cannabis. Incidence of heart attack based on age An older study from 2010 notes that the incidence rate of heart attack is seven times more likely in those aged 65–74 compared to those aged 35–44. The incidence rate has a two- to threefold increase for those over the age of 80 compared to those aged 65–69. Based on 322,523 people, the AHA notes the following incidence rates of heart attack with obstructive coronary artery disease (MI-CAD) and heart attack with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA):AgeIncidence of MI-CAD and MINOCA combinedOver 5018%50–5927%60–6926%70–7918%80–8912% A 2020 study based in Norway examined the incidence of heart attack in those aged 45 years or less in 33,439 people. The researchers noted the following incidence rates:AgeIncidence of heart attack per 100,000 people20–292.130–3916.940–4997.6 The authors noted that, compared to older adults, those who experienced a heart attack under the age of 45 were more likely to:be malesmokehave obesityhave a family history of premature heart attacks Does age increase a person s risk of a heart attack The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that the risk of a heart attack typically increases as a person gets older. This is because of the several physical changes to the heart and cardiovascular system in general. Some of these changes include:A buildup of fatty deposits: Fat can build up on the artery walls. This will narrow the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This condition is called atherosclerosis.Hardening of the arteries: As a person ages, the arteries become harder. When the arteries are not as flexible as they should be, the risk of having a heart attack could increase. Thickened heart walls: The walls of the heart may thicken, leading to increased heart size. The volume of blood reduces despite the larger size of the heart.Weak heart valves: The heart contains four valves that work to prevent blood from moving in the wrong direction. As a person ages, these valves may become stiffer or weaker, making it hard for the heart to control blood flow. Increased sodium sensitivity: Some people may become more sensitive to sodium while others may not. The NIA reports that an increase in sodium sensitivity can increase a person’s risk of a heart attack. Risk factors The AHA states that the following are unchangeable risk factors for heart attack:Age: As people get older, their chances of heart attack increases.Sex: Males are more prone to heart attack compared to females who have not reached menopause. However, this risk is equal between males and females who have reached menopause. Genetics: People who have family members that have had a heart attack may have a higher chance of having a heart attack. Other risk factors may include: diabetessmokinghigh blood cholesterolhigh blood pressurephysical inactivityhaving overweight or obesitystressalcoholan unhealthy diet that does not include foods containing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients The AHA also notes that, compared to white people, heart disease is more likely to develop in those who are:African AmericanMexican AmericanAmerican Indiannative HawaiianAsian American Many factors play a role in high rates of heart disease in historically marginalized populations. These can include:socioeconomic disparitiesa lack of access to healthcarediscrimination in healthcare Learn more about heart disease in African American populations here. Tips to improve heart health To reduce the risk of having a heart attack, people can try:Stopping smoking: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that chemicals in tobacco smoke can destroy the function of the heart as well as its blood vessels. This could lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of a heart attack. Avoiding smoke can dramatically boost the heart’s performance as well as other vital organs in the body. Avoiding passive smoke: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that passive, or secondhand smoking, can increase the risk of a heart attack. Reducing their cholesterol level: Having high cholesterol levels, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can increase the chance of heart attacks. A person can speak with a doctor to find out the best treatment plan for lowering high cholesterol levels in the body. Maintaining normal blood pressure: High blood pressure could alter structures in the heart that decrease its efficiency. To help regulate their blood pressure, a person can take medications, engage in physical activity, and eat a healthy diet. Managing stress: Recent research has proven that chronic stress is a risk factor for heart disease and, consequently, a heart attack. Getting regular exercise: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that adults utilize at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.Maintaining a moderate weight. A 2021 report pointed out that a wider waist circumference is a great factor in having a heart attack. People should try to achieve and maintain a moderate weight.Learn more Find out about how to improve heart health:11 tips for giving up smoking15 foods that lower cholesterolHow to lower blood pressureWhy stress happens and how to manage itWhat to know about exercise and how to startWhat is the cardiac diet?10 tips for successful weight loss Contacting 911 Heart attacks are medical emergencies. Call 911 or emergency help if a person is experiencing a heart attack. Heart attack symptoms can differ in each individual. However, the major symptoms include:chest paintrouble breathingneck, jaw, or throat painsweatingdizzinessfatiguenauseaupper back pain Females may experience different heart attack symptoms. Similarly to males, chest pain is the most common symptom. Other symptoms in females include:pressure, fullness, pain, or squeezing in the center of the chestpain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomachshortness of breathcold sweatnausealightheadedness Learn more about signs of a heart attack in females. Summary Heart attacks can occur at any age. However, the risk increases as a person gets older. Over the past decade, the prevalence of heart attacks in those under 40 appears to have increased. Being male or having a family history of heart disease can contribute to the chances of having a heart attack. A person can alter some risk factors such as changing their smoking habits, eating habits, levels of physical activity, and alcohol consumption. People should speak with a doctor to find out how to reduce their chance of having a heart attack. Last medically reviewed on May 25, 2022Heart DiseaseCardiovascular / Cardiology 17 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.2022 heart disease and stroke statistics update fact sheet. (2022).https://www.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2022-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2022-Stat-Update-At-a-Glance.pdfArora, S., et al. (2019). Twenty year trends and sex differences in young adults hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction: The ARIC community surveillance study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380926Christiansen, M. N., et al. (2017). Age-specific trends in incidence, mortality, and comorbidities of heart failure in Denmark, 1995 to 2012.https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.025941?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmedDeFilippis, E. M., et al. (2018). Cocaine and marijuana use among young adults with myocardial infarction.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6495189Heart attack symptoms in women. (2015).https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack/heart-attack-symptoms-in-womenHeart attack symptoms, risk, and recovery. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htmHeart health and aging. (2018).https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health-and-agingHow much physical activity do adults need? (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htmHow smoking affects heart health. (2021).https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/health-effects-tobacco-use/how-smoking-affects-heart-healthHow smoking affects the heart and blood vessels. (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart/smokingJortveit, J., et al. (2019). Incidence, risk factors and outcome of young patients with myocardial infarction.https://heart.bmj.com/content/106/18/1420Napoli, N. (2019). Heart attacks increasingly common in young adults.https://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2019/03/07/08/45/heart-attacks-increasingly-common-in-young-adultsPowell-Wiley, T. M., et al. (2021). Obesity and cardiovascular disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8493650Smilowitz, N. R., et al. (2017). Mortality of myocardial infarction by sex, age, and obstructive coronary artery disease status in the ACTION registry-GWTG (acute coronary treatment and internvention outcomes network registry-get with the guidelines).https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circoutcomes.116.003443Understand your risks to prevent a heart attack. (2016).https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/understand-your-risks-to-prevent-a-heart-attackVaccarino, V., et al. (2021). Association of mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2785948Yazdanyar, A., et al. (2010). The burden of cardiovascular disease in the elderly: Morbidity, mortality, and costs.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2797320FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By Margaret Etudo on May 25, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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