The study was conducted with 360 participants ages 13-36, researchers wanted to see which subjects contracted metabolic syndrome (Hitti 2005). The research found that a little over 10% of participants had metabolic syndrome at age 36. More men were diagnosed than women (18% vs. 3%).Those with metabolic syndrome had gained more body fat since their teen years, especially around their midsection. But body fat wasn't the only risk factor. Several other trends also stood out. Participants with metabolic syndrome were more likely to have a steep decline in fitness level. By age 36, they favored light-to-moderate activities such as gardening or walking, instead of heart-pounding aerobic exercise, such as running. In contrast, their peers without metabolic syndrome had lower but steadier fitness levels over the years (Hitti 2005)." The researchers have concluded that maintaining a healthy weight and exercising religiously will aid in the reduction of metabolic syndrome.

Why the Problem exists

Obesity is the single most significant problem associated with heart disease in young adults (Anderson et al. 2003). As we mentioned previously in the discussion, heart disease is most often caused by factors related directly to obesity. The extra weight places a burden on heart and in turn drives up blood pressure and insulin levels. Young adults are heavier than they have ever been; many of them have carried this weight since childhood (Coleman et al. 1993). As a result, they suffer from heart disease at an earlier age than did previous generations.

In addition to obesity, smoking cigarettes also contributes to the increases in heart disease that are seen among young adults. Although, this generation has the benefit of a general surgeon warning concerning cigarettes, many have developed the habit of smoking. Ultimately, this habit coupled with obesity can place young adults at an increased risk for developing heart disease. Young adults and people of all ages are not taking seriously the warnings associated with living an unhealthy lifestyle. If the problem of heart disease among young people is to be rectified, there must be a concerted effort to educate young people and aid them in preventing heart disease.

Additionally, life has become more stressful; not only because of increases in demands...

Research has found that increases in stress levels are also associated with heart disease and high blood pressure in young adults. The book explains that Research has demonstrated a diminished opioid inhibition of stress reactions in monkeys at risk for coronary heart disease, in young adults with mildly elevated blood pressure (BP), and in persons with low levels of aerobic fitness (Freeman 2001). 43-44-45 These and other studies have led to hypotheses that behavioral enhancement of opioid responsiveness that may occur in relaxation therapy can have potentially important therapeutic or preventative effects for stress-induced circulatory disorders (Freeman 2001).
Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to examine whether heart disease is becoming more prevalent in young adults and if so why. The research indicates that there is an increase in ailments related to heart diseae amongst adults. These ailment include diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The research indicates that these increases have occurred as a result of obesity, cigarette smoking and stress.

References

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary

Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke. Centers for Disease Control and prevention. Retrieved February 1, 2005 at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/bb_heartdisease/index.htm http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002010099

Anderson, P.M., Butcher, K.F., & Levine, P.B. (2003). Economic Perspectives on Childhood Obesity. Economic Perspectives, 27(3), 30+. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001502749

Coleman, C.A., Friedman, A.G., & Burright, R.G. (1998). The Relationship of Daily Stress and Health-Related Behaviors to Adolescents' Cholesterol Levels. Adolescence, 33(130), 447. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000605519

Eberstadt, M. (2003). The Child-Fat Problem. 3+. Retrieved February 1, 2005, from Questia database, http://www.questia.com.

Hitti Miranda., (2005) Metabolic Syndrome Rising Among Young Adults. Retrieved February 1, 2005 at http://my.webmd.com/content/article/99/105147.htm?action=related_link