High Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Present in Many Young Adults, New Research Shows

A recent study published in JAMA by researchers from Northwestern University highlights a concerning trend: a significant portion of young adults in the United States face a high long-term risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The investigation found that approximately 1 in 7 adults aged 30 to 59 are likely to experience a high risk of CVD over the next 30 years, despite many of them having low short-term (10-year) risk scores.

The study emphasizes the critical importance of assessing long-term cardiovascular risk in young and middle-aged adults during primary care visits. Traditionally, healthcare providers have focused on 10-year risk predictions to guide preventive measures. However, this approach may overlook individuals who appear at low short-term risk but have elevated long-term risk due to factors like genetics, lifestyle, or early signs of vascular aging.

Using data from over 9,700 participants without existing cardiovascular disease, the researchers applied the American Heart Association's PREVENT model to estimate each individual's 10- and 30-year risk. The results revealed that while most adults had a low 10-year risk, a notable subset showed a high risk over the longer 30-year period.

Lead researcher Sadiya Khan pointed out that such findings underscore the need for early intervention strategies. Identifying high long-term risk early can enable healthcare providers to emphasize preventive measures, such as lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and increased physical activity, potentially mitigating future cardiovascular problems.

The study advocates for integrated risk assessments that consider both short-term and long-term perspectives, particularly in young adults, to better inform preventive care and improve health outcomes. Future research aims to explore effective interventions tailored to individuals with elevated long-term risk, helping to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the population.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-young-adults-high-term-cardiovascular.html