Scientists Find ‘Ominous’ Signs of Artery Damage in Nearly 8 in 10 Young Adults
Youth isn't enough to protect the heart.
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A troubling trend has emerged in cardiovascular health research, as scientists discover evidence of arterial damage in the majority of young American adults. Researchers studying over 1,000 participants with an average age of 23 found markers of artery thickness typically associated with people a decade older, suggesting premature deterioration in their carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain.
The culprit appears to be cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome, a recently defined condition recognized by the American Heart Association in 2023. A new study found that approximately 80 percent of participants met the criteria for CKM Syndrome in varying stages. The syndrome represents the interconnected nature of heart, kidney, and metabolic disorders, with progression ranging from risk factors like prediabetes to more advanced stages indicating vulnerability to serious conditions including stroke and heart failure. Strong correlations emerged between advancing CKM stages and visible signs of arterial injury.
The research focused on urban populations with disadvantaged backgrounds, featuring notably poor diet and physical activity levels. Experts stress that these findings should not be viewed as inevitable destiny but rather as a warning sign. The factors comprising CKM Syndrome, including body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, are potentially modifiable through lifestyle changes or medical intervention, making early detection crucial for young adults.
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Originally reported by Sciencealert →
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