Medical researchers warn of early signs of atherosclerosis and heart disease

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that signs of atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty substances in artery walls, can be detected in individuals as young as 18 to 29 years old. The research, which involved 16,808 adults from Denmark and Spain, found atherosclerotic plaques in 8.7% of young men and 6.7% of young women within this age group.

Medical experts warn that heart health management should begin much earlier than the typical focus on middle age. While traditional risk assessments often weigh age heavily, young people with high LDL cholesterol may face long-term arterial damage even if their immediate clinical risk appears low.

Additionally, cardiologists emphasize that shortness of breath, particularly during routine activities like walking or climbing stairs, can serve as a warning sign for heart issues months before a heart attack occurs. Patients often mistake this symptom for lung problems, stress, or aging, which can lead to dangerous delays in seeking medical assistance.