While it is more likely for an older person to have a heart attack, the rate of younger people having heart attacks is on the rise and, unfortunately, more common in women. Many factors cause heart attacks in younger people and can include substance abuse, poor lifestyle choices, and health issues. People who smoke or abuse alcohol are more likely to have a heart attack younger. They probably have high blood pressure, too. The good news is there are steps you can take so that this is less likely to happen to you.

A great start would be to quit smoking and drinking. If you need help with this, reach out to your doctor or family members for support. Next, you will want to make healthier choices when it comes to your food and exercise. Weight and obesity are important factors in heart attacks happening in younger people, especially if your weight has made you have type 2 diabetes. If you have very low physical activity in your life, you will need to increase this. Start small and build healthy habits. That could look like going for a ten-minute walk every day then building up your time from there.