COLUMBUS, Ohio — February is American Heart Month, and a new national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that even though heart attacks are increasingly common in younger people, many don't believe they are at risk for heart disease.
The survey, which was conducted online among more than 2,000 Americans age 18 and older, found 47% of those under age 45 don't think they are at risk for heart disease.
"It is alarming that younger people don't feel that they're at risk for heart disease, but it's not surprising," Dr. Laxmi Mehta, director of preventative cardiology and women's cardiovascular cealth at Wexner, said. "Most young people think heart disease only happens in old people but that’s not the case."
The reason for the increase is partly because conditions that lead to heart disease such as obesity and high blood pressure are present in younger people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Ohio State's survey, 46% of adults under age 35 said they don't believe high blood pressure is a health risk for them.
About a third of those surveyed weren't confident they would know if they were having a heart attack. Recognizing even the most subtle signs of a heart attack and seeking immediate care can be lifesaving.
67% of respondents reported getting at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per day, and 93% said they were aware that getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night was important for their heart health.
Exercise and healthy sleep are part of the American Heart Association's "Life’s Essential 8," which are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Other factors are eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and vaping, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar numbers in a healthy range.