Cardiovascular disease (CVD), once considered a concern primarily for the middle-aged and elderly, is now increasingly affecting young adults, including those under 40. In Kenya and around the world, heart-related complications among the youth are rising at an alarming rate, not due to hereditary factors, but largely because of modern lifestyle choices, poor diet, and elevated stress levels.
One of the most concerning trends is the growing number of heart attacks occurring in individuals aged 25 to 39. Many of these young adults have no family history of heart disease, underscoring the role that environmental and behavioural factors play. From sedentary routines to unhealthy eating habits, these changes are contributing to a surge in early-onset cardiovascular issues.
In urban centres, especially, CVD has become a growing burden. Factors like the fast food culture, reduced physical activity, and high stress levels have created a perfect storm for heart problems to emerge in younger populations. Alarmingly, many young people are unaware of their health status. A significant portion has never had their blood pressure checked, despite already living with elevated levels, often without any noticeable symptoms. This lack of awareness leads to late diagnoses, often only after serious complications have set in.
Diet is a major contributor to this crisis. Consumption of fast foods and ultra-processed snacks, which are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, leads to cholesterol buildup in arteries. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, can begin silently as early as the teenage years. Over time, plaque accumulates along artery walls, restricting blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Physical inactivity is another key factor. Many young people spend most of their day seated—in school, at work, or in front of screens. Few meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart muscle, raises blood pressure, and contributes to obesity and type 2 diabetes, all of which are major risk factors for CVD.
Poor sleep habits and chronic stress are also undermining heart health. Irregular sleep patterns, especially among students and shift workers, disrupt hormonal balance and trigger inflammation in the body. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to high blood pressure and arterial damage even in individuals who otherwise appear healthy.
The growing popularity of vaping adds another layer of concern. Though often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping has been shown to reduce blood vessel function and increase oxidative stress. In Kenya, a significant number of university students are using e-cigarettes, unaware that damage to blood vessels can begin long before symptoms appear.
Symptoms of heart disease in young adults are often subtle or nonexistent. Some may experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart palpitations. However, many cases remain undetected until a major event like a heart attack occurs.
The good news is that early intervention and treatment can be effective. Heart disease in young people can often be managed through lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, increased physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and vaping products. In some instances, medication may be necessary to control blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Despite the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, access remains limited in public health facilities. Therefore, prevention is still the most powerful strategy. Encouraging early screening in schools, workplaces, and communities, and promoting healthier lifestyles, is essential. Without decisive action, the rise of CVD in young people will place a heavy burden on both individuals and the national health system.
