Why Are Heart Attacks Striking Gen Z Earlier?

Your heart works silently, but what if it’s trying to tell you something?

Many still believe heart disease mainly affects older adults, or that heart attacks always hit with crushing chest pain. The truth? That’s a myth. In Malaysia, 35.2% of heart attack deaths occur in people under 60, and nearly 4% involve individuals aged 30–39 (CodeBlue, 2024).

To better understand these risks and how they present themselves, we spoke to Dr. Faizal Khan, a Consultant Cardiologist from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. He shed light on common but often overlooked symptoms. In fact, one in five cases is considered a ‘silent’ heart attack, where the warning signs are often mistaken for everyday discomforts, such as:

Pain spreading to the arms, jaw, or back

These overlooked symptoms highlight why it’s so important to recognise that heart disease doesn’t always follow the textbook image of intense chest pain or pressure.

Young Hearts Under Pressure

Gen Z is facing risks earlier due to a mix of lifestyle and environment. Rising rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diets, lack of exercise, smoking, irregular sleep, and high stress levels are accelerating what experts call “cardiac aging,” where a 25-year-old’s heart can show the wear of someone much older.

“When under pressure, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline increase blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation. Over time, this invisible strain carves out the path to heart disease,” said Dr. Faizal.

Smartwatches do help as early warning and monitoring tools. They are useful in “flagging” possible issues and prompting medical attention.

“Smartwatches help prevent heart disease by providing real-time monitoring of key health metrics, including heart rate and rhythm, which can lead to early detection of conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) and prompt medical consultation”, said Dr. Faizal

They also track physical activity and sleep, streamlining how people monitor their health by detecting concerns like high blood pressure and low oxygen levels. 

But when someone has symptoms of a heart attack or risk factors, medical evaluation is essential. Heart screenings like electrocardiogram, blood work, stress tests, and echocardiograms enable early detection of hidden risks, allowing cardiologists to guide patients toward the right lifestyle changes or treatments, ensuring problems are addressed before they become life-threatening.

Whether you are 25 or 75, it’s never too late to take action. Dr. Faizal recalls a story of a 78-year-old patient who once refused treatment after her first heart attack.

“She thought her age left her with no chance. But after a second heart attack, doctors discovered two severe blockages. Once she had treatment, she regained her strength and independence, proof that timely care can transform lives at any age.”

Her journey is a reminder that heart disease does not discriminate by age, gender, or schedule. Awareness and prevention remain your best defense.

Visit https://www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur to make an appointment with a team of experienced specialist doctors and cardiologists today.