A study published on February 26, 2026 in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that deaths among young and middle-aged Americans hospitalized for severe heart attacks increased between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2022.
The research examined nearly one million hospitalizations involving adults aged 18 to 54 diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a life-threatening heart attack caused by complete blockage of a coronary artery.
While men accounted for most of the cases recorded during the 12-year period, women under 55 were more likely to die in hospital following a severe heart attack compared to men of the same age group.
Researchers attribute the trend to rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking and substance use among younger populations. They also note that women often experience less typical symptoms, which may delay diagnosis and treatment.
Health experts warn that heart disease is no longer limited to older adults and are urging younger people to undergo regular medical check-ups, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and seek immediate care when symptoms appear.
