Heart attacks on the rise among people under 40

Cardiologists say the heart attack rate among people under 40 is rising dramatically, while heart attacks across the board have fallen.

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Among patients who suffer a heart attack at a young age, one in five were 40 or younger. That number has risen 2 percent each year for the past decade.

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"These are often individuals when they have symptoms they may not think this is a heart attack,” preventative cardiologist Dr. Ron Blankstein said

>> Watch the video at the top of this page for what experts think is behind the increase and what you can do to protect yourself. 

Cox Media Group