Most heart attacks occur in middle-aged and elderly individuals. In the United States, the average age of a heart attack victim is 65 for men and 70 for women. Generally, the risk of a heart attack increases with age. However, there have been instances where heart attacks occurred in people as young as 20.
The risk of a heart attack increases with age because the coronary arteries become stiffer and less elastic as a person gets older. This makes it more difficult for the arteries to expand and contract in response to the increased blood flow during physical activity. In addition, as people age, they tend to have higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in their blood. These can block the arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack.
In addition to age, there are several other factors that can increase the risk of a heart attack. These include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. People with any of these risk factors should talk to their doctor about ways to reduce their risk.
In conclusion, the average age of heart attack victims in the United States is 65 for men and 70 for women. However, heart attacks can occur at any age, and the risk increases with age. Several other risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle, can also increase the risk of a heart attack. People should talk to their doctor about ways to reduce their risk.