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Younger Generations Face Alarming Heart Health Crisis
3 Aug
Summary
- Over 50% of Brits aged 28-40 have heart age older than actual age
- Nearly 1/3 of 25-30-year-olds have heart age exceeding biological age
- Unhealthy habits like poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol linked to premature heart aging
As of August 3rd, 2025, new data reveals a concerning trend: cardiovascular disease (CVD) is no longer just an issue for older generations. According to the findings, over half of Brits aged 28 to 40 and almost a third of 25 to 30-year-olds now have a heart age that exceeds their actual biological age.
This means their cardiovascular health is poorer than expected, significantly increasing their risk of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and other serious related conditions. Experts are now urging younger adults to take proactive steps to prioritize their heart health, challenging the common misconception that CVD is only a concern later in life.
The insights follow the recent launch of a digital at-home test called the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check, which provides a full cholesterol profile, BMI, NHS heart age, and a 10-year CVD risk assessment. Dr. Kate Bunyan, the Lead Clinical Director at PocDoc, explains that factors like cholesterol levels, blood pressure, weight, and height can contribute to an older heart age, often exacerbated by unhealthy habits such as poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
With many younger people remaining unaware of their risks until it's too late, experts are now exploring ways to help keep hearts in tip-top shape. Recommendations include getting more sleep, reducing screen time, spending time outdoors, and adopting a Mediterranean diet rich in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. By making these lifestyle changes, younger generations can take control of their cardiovascular health and potentially reverse the alarming trend of premature heart aging.
