The American Heart Association recommends that people between ages 20 and 40 take proactive steps to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Cardiologist Dr. Estelle Jean emphasizes that even healthy individuals in their 20s or 30s can develop risk factors if they don’t monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
One in two adults over age 20 has high blood pressure, with normal blood pressure considered below 120/80 mmHg. The new guidelines also recommend a “lipoprotein(a)” cholesterol test to check for inherited cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins.
To reduce risk, Jean advises eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding saturated fats, and engaging in regular exercise, such as moderate-intensity workouts (at least 2.5 hours/week) and strength training (twice a week). In some cases, medications may be prescribed to prevent heart disease and stroke for high-risk patients.
Source: https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2026/03/the-heart-health-steps-now-recommended-you-take-in-your-20s-and-30s