Heart and blood vessel problems are not only an older person's concern. Rising rates of obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, vaping, stress and diabetes mean more young and middle-aged adults have high blood pressure and early artery disease. Some young people also have inherited conditions, such as familial high cholesterol or genetic heart rhythm and muscle disorders, that raise risk regardless of lifestyle.
Because high blood pressure and high cholesterol usually cause no symptoms, young adults can have them without knowing. Family history of early heart disease or sudden death is an important warning sign worth discussing with a doctor.
Getting blood pressure and, where appropriate, cholesterol checked, staying active, eating well and not smoking all matter from a young age. Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting during exercise, or stroke symptoms at any age.