10/01/2026
Early signs of heart disease start forming around age 17 in many people, study shows.
It turns out that the risk for heart disease isn’t something that kicks in only later in life—it begins much earlier. Around age 17 is a key turning point when people’s heart-health scores based on lifestyle behaviours and clinical measurements begin to decline. During this transition phase the likelihood of poor diet, reduced physical activity, increased screen time, and habits like smoking or va**ng all start to rise.
These changes in younger people may seem innocuous at the time but they form the bedrock for cardiovascular disease down the line. What we now know is that atherosclerotic changes—when fatty plaque builds up in arteries—do not just emerge in the 40s or 50s. Instead the groundwork for that damage starts in late teens. Because fewer than half of young adults recognise high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity or inactivity as real risks, the early signs often go unchecked.
The good news is that many of the risk factors at this age are modifiable. By focusing on regular movement, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and avoiding ni****ne the emerging adult years become an opportunity to build lifelong heart resilience. The study highlights that health-systems and policy can also help by improving preventive care access and making healthy choices easier in young people’s daily lives.
Research Paper 📄
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.09.041
