Heart Attack Risk by Age: Understanding Your Chances

Yes, certain age groups are more likely to be affected by a heart attack. The risk of heart attack increases with age. In general, the older a person is, the greater their risk of heart attack.

In the United States, for example, the risk of heart attack is:

Heart Attack Risk: Age of Risk:

>About 1 in 700 >35 to 44

>About 1 in 300 >45 to 54

>About 1 in 100 >55 to 64

>About 1 in 50 >65 to 74

>About 1 in 30 >75 or older.

Although heart attacks are more common in older adults, they can also happen in younger people. In fact, about 5% of all heart attacks occur in people under the age of 40.