Factors Causing Cardiovascular Diseases in Young Adults: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are a major public health problem worldwide. They continue to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it is alarming that these diseases are becoming more common in people of the young age group. Although various risk factors have been proposed, smoking, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are prominent emerging risk factors in the young. The primary pathogenic mechanism for most cardiovascular disorders, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, and Myocardial Infarction (MI), is atherosclerosis. Plaque rupture is the most common cause of MI, although distinctive symptoms such as plaque erosion, coronary microvascular dysfunction, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and drug-related coronary spasm are more common in this age range. Various lifestyle factors, including, but not limited to, physical inactivity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor eating habits, and drug abuse, contribute to the development of comorbid conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetes, increasing the likelihood of having heart disease. To mitigate the societal impact of CVD and promote a healthier future for the next generation, proactive measures, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet, are essential. This will be addressed in terms of lifestyle, environmental, physiological, pathological, and psychological aspects.

Keywords

• atherosclerosis
• myocardial infarction
• obesity
• sedentary lifestyle