Heart disease is the leading cause of adult death in the United States, according to the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. The factors that culminate in an adult heart attack often begin much earlier in life. While some heart attack risk factors are beyond control because of genetics, teens can manage other risk factors by embracing a healthy lifestyle.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure in teens usually has a hereditary link or is a side effect of heart or kidney disease, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Because hypertension or high blood pressure is considered a risk factor for a heart attack, it is important for teens to have their blood pressure checked during well-visits to the pediatrician.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, because it causes fatty plaque buildup in the arteries. Approximately one-third of children ages 10 to 19 have elevated cholesterol, according to the University of Missouri Human Environmental Sciences Extension.
Parents can help minimize their teen's chances of developing high cholesterol by encouraging both a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol and exercise for at least a half-hour each day.
Smoking
While most people link cigarette smoking with lung cancer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that over 90,000 people die each year die from smoking-related heart disease. Also, there are 3 million teen smokers in the United States and 4,000 teens start smoking everyday, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease because nicotine narrows the blood vessels, putting added strain on the heart.
Obesity
Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart attack. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, between 16 and 33 percent of children and teens are obese. Parents can help their teens lose weight by educating them about and encouraging them to control food portions and to eat healthy foods. Limiting snacks and not using food as a reward can also help.
Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity often goes hand in hand with obesity, and according to the Texas Heart Institute, is a major risk factor for heart disease in teens. Physical inactivity can lead directly to other risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
Parents can help a teen to become more active by limiting TV and video gaming, and encouraging them to exercise at least a half-hour each day.
Congenital Heart Conditions
When teens or minors die of a heart attack, the Mayo Clinic claims at least two-thirds of the time the death was due to a heart abnormality. The most common heart abnormalities are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle thickens, thereby making it harder to pump blood; coronary artery abnormalities and long QT syndrome, which causes fast, irregular heartbeats. Symptoms of heart abnormalities can include unexplained fainting or seizures during physical exertion. A high risk factor for sudden cardiac death is a family history of unexplained deaths or cardiac arrest before the age of 50.
