Increasing heart attack rates: Young men suffer from cardiovascular crises more often than women

In recent years, the number of heart attacks among young men aged 30 to 45 has increased significantly, a trend that is particularly concerning when compared to their female counterparts in the same age group. This alarming increase can be attributed to a combination of biological, lifestyle and pandemic-related factors. Genetically, men are susceptible to cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol earlier than women. Lifestyle choices, including poor diet, physical inactivity, higher rates of smoking and drug use, and chronic stress from job and financial pressures, contribute significantly to this problem. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these risks by promoting sedentary behavior, increasing mental health problems and leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Historical perspective

In the past, heart attacks were predominantly associated with men, largely due to the fact that previous research and clinical trials focused primarily on male subjects. This male-centered perspective led to the false belief that cardiovascular disease was less dangerous for women, resulting in a significant gender gap in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. In women, heart attack symptoms often present atypically, for example with nausea, fatigue, or back pain instead of the classic chest pain experienced by men. This difference in symptoms contributed to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment in women. Over time, increasing recognition of these differences has led to more gender-specific research and improved the understanding and treatment of heart disease in women.

Current trends
In recent years, there has been a worrying increase in heart attacks among young adults, particularly those under 35, challenging the traditional view that this condition mainly affects older people. This trend is driven by lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and poor diet, as well as rising rates of obesity, diabetes and stress. Although advances in prevention and treatment are reducing overall incidence in developed countries, socioeconomic and ethnic disparities persist, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated cardiovascular risks. To address these issues, greater awareness and gender-specific strategies are needed to improve outcomes for all patients.
Decisive factors
Biological factors
One of the most important biological factors is the genetic and hormonal difference between men and women. Men generally have higher risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Elevated testosterone levels, which are common in men, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease because they affect cholesterol levels and blood pressure. In addition, compared to women, men develop diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome more often and earlier, which significantly increases their cardiovascular risk.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle habits play a significant role in health inequalities between young men and women. Poor dietary habits and higher obesity rates are more common in young men. Overconsumption of processed foods high in fat and sugar is a major contributor to cardiovascular risk. In addition, sedentary lifestyles have become more common, particularly with the increase in teleworking, and men often exercise less regularly.


Smoking and alcohol consumption are other lifestyle factors that disproportionately affect men. Men are more likely to smoke and consume alcohol excessively, both of which are well-recognized risk factors for heart disease. In addition, men are often less likely to seek help for mental health problems, leading to uncontrolled stress, anxiety, and depression. Chronic stress in particular can contribute significantly to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks.
Post-COVID factors
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new variables that have exacerbated the risk of heart attack in young men. The virus itself has been linked to increased cardiovascular risk due to its effects on the heart and blood vessels. Young men in particular may experience more severe symptoms or complications leading to heart problems.
Access to health care has been significantly impacted during the pandemic, with many routine visits and preventive care appointments postponed or missed. Men who already seek regular health care less frequently may have missed important early interventions for heart disease during this time. In addition, there have been isolated reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) following mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations, which appear to be more common in young men and may contribute to the increased incidence of heart problems.
The pandemic has also led to significant lifestyle changes, including increased physical inactivity, poor dietary habits and increased stress levels. These changes can significantly increase cardiovascular risk.



Comparative analysis with women
Several factors explain why young women in the same age group do not experience the same increase in heart attacks. Premenopausal women benefit from the protective effects of estrogen, which may reduce the risk of heart disease – an advantage that men do not have. Women are generally more proactive in seeking medical care and following health recommendations, which leads to better management of risk factors.
In addition, women generally smoke less and drink less alcohol than men and may maintain healthier lifestyles. Traditional gender roles may also impact lifestyle choices, as men may experience different types or levels of work-related stress than women.
However, in women, atypical symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment because the infarction is not immediately recognized as such.
Diploma
The increased incidence of heart attacks in young men aged 30 to 45 compared to women may be attributed to a combination of biological predispositions, lifestyle choices and specific pandemic-related factors. To address this growing concern, it is imperative to address these issues through targeted public health measures, improved access to healthcare and lifestyle changes. By understanding these underlying causes, we can better empower young men to manage their cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

(Article courtesy of: Dr. Parin Sangoi, Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central)