Heart Disease in Young Adults: Why It’s Rising — and What to Watch For

Heart disease is rising in young adults, and it is not just something that happens later in life. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez sits down with Sergiu Darabant, M.D., cardiologist with Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, to explain why more adults ages 20–40 are experiencing heart-related events and what is driving the trend.

You will learn the early warning signs young adults often overlook, including:
 • Chest tightness with activity
 • Shortness of breath out of proportion to exercise
 • Palpitations and racing heartbeats

Dr. Darabant also breaks down the biggest risk factors impacting young adults today, including stress, poor sleep, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and ultra-processed foods, and explains why prevention starts earlier than most people think. One of the biggest takeaways: know your numbers and schedule a yearly checkup so you can catch issues early and protect your heart long before symptoms become serious.

Host: Johanna Gomez, award-winning host & journalist

Guest: Sergiu Darabant, M.D., cardiologist at Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care