Most heart attack deaths occur in people 65 years of age and older. However, the risk of a heart attack begins to increase for men at age 45, and for women at age 55.
Here's a breakdown of heart attack risk and age:
- 65 and Older: This age group experiences the highest number of fatal heart attacks.
- Men (45+): Men's risk starts to climb significantly after age 45.
- Women (55+): Women's risk increases notably after age 55, often attributed to hormonal changes after menopause.
It's important to note that these are general trends. Individual risk can vary significantly based on factors like genetics, lifestyle choices (smoking, diet, exercise), and other health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
While the most heart attack deaths occur in older adults, it's crucial to understand that younger individuals are also susceptible, particularly if they have risk factors. Early detection and management of these risk factors are essential for prevention.
