A new 2026 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that mortality among people aged 18 to 54 has risen for the most severe type of heart attack.
The increase particularly affects women. More often than men, they have died during hospitalization following their first heart attack.
This applies to both the severe and the less severe types.
According to the researchers, earlier data suggest that overall mortality had been declining until 2010. However, the improvement appeared to primarily benefit older patients and men.
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More than lifestyle
The study is based on nearly one million hospital admissions in the United States from 2011 to 2022. About four in ten patients had the most severe type of heart attack.
Women underwent fewer cardiac examinations and received fewer treatments than men, even though they experienced just as many complications.
The researchers also point out that social factors play a significant role.
Low income was the most common nontraditional risk factor and was more frequent among women.
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Kidney disease and the use of substances other than tobacco were also associated with a higher risk of dying during hospitalization.
According to the analysis, these factors had a greater impact on mortality than traditional risks such as smoking and high blood pressure.
Importance of early intervention
The data come from the U.S. database, the National Inpatient Sample, which compiles information from both public and private insurance sources.
The researchers note that the figures are based on hospital records and that patients were not followed after discharge.
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Overall, the findings indicate a need for earlier identification of risk factors in younger adults, particularly women.
Sources: Medical News, and Journal of the American Heart Association.
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