Kristi King, wtop.com

WASHINGTON — Think you’re too young for a heart attack? Think again.

The number of 35 to 44-year-olds killed by heart attacks is rising for the first time, especially among women. Doctors predict it’s a trend that will only get worse.

Today’s teens will die of heart disease younger than adults do now, according to findings presented to the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.

Researchers at the Northwestern University Feinbert School of Medicine making those conclusions say today’s youngsters are losing heart health as early as, if not earlier than, their teens

The study’s lead author says the health profiles of youngsters 12 to 19 years old is alarming.

Among girls in that age group 35 percent have high cholesterol, more than 40 percent high blood sugar and 62 percent don’t get enough exercise. Boys also have unhealthful numbers in those areas.

Among both boys and girls 12 to 19 years old, 35 percent are overweight or obese. Nearly 25 percent smoke. And the researchers say all have crummy diets that are high in salt and sugar and lacking in fruits, vegetables, fiber and lean protein.

Doctors at Northwestern say lifestyles that begin to erode heart health as early as teen years are a big societal problem that must be addressed.

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