Why Teens Are Developing Heart Disease Risk Factors Before Age 18—And What Communities Are Doing About It

Many teenagers have already developed heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes by age 18, and a growing number of younger adults are experiencing serious cardiovascular events. To address this alarming trend, 12 women and teen leaders in Northeast Ohio are joining the American Heart Association this February to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD)—the nation's leading health threat.

Why Are Teens Developing Heart Disease Risk Factors So Early?

The statistics paint a sobering picture. More than 60% of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease by 2050, according to recent projections. What's particularly concerning is that the damage often begins in adolescence. By the time many teens reach 18, they've already accumulated risk factors that set them on a path toward heart problems later in life. This early onset of risk factors is why health organizations are sounding the alarm and mobilizing community leaders to intervene now, before these teenagers become adults with established cardiovascular disease.

How Are Northeast Ohio Leaders Fighting Back?

The American Heart Association launched two community-driven initiatives to combat this crisis. Eight Northeast Ohio teens are participating in the Teen of Impact campaign, a nine-week competition that challenges young people to become health advocates in their own communities. Meanwhile, four local women leaders are rallying through the Go Red for Women movement to improve women's heart health and address gaps in clinical care.

The nominees are tackling heart health through multiple angles:

• Education and Awareness: Spreading knowledge about heart and brain health throughout their communities to help people understand their personal risk factors.
• Hands-On Training: Learning CPR and sharing the importance of physical activity with friends, family, and neighbors.
• Research and Advocacy: Recruiting community members to participate in cardiovascular research studies and advocacy efforts that drive policy change.
• Fundraising: Raising critical funds that support lifesaving cardiovascular research and education programs.

"When we come together, we are stronger than the leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease," said Laura Kish, volunteer board member of American Heart Association–Northeast Ohio and the 2023 Akron/Canton Woman of Impact winner. "Each of the teens and women participating will use their time, talent and influence to educate the community about their risk, encourage them to take action to improve their health, and raise critical funds to continue the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association."

Who Are the 2026 Nominees Making a Difference?

The Northeast Ohio Woman of Impact nominees bringing their expertise to heart health include Katelyn Amendolara-Russo from Medici Museum of Art, Dr. Brianna French from Summa Health, Lauren Oktavec from Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, and Viki Stoops from Home Instead NE.

The Teen of Impact nominees represent eight local high schools and are ready to mobilize their peers. These young leaders include Ahmed Abdelaziz, Bridget Borchardt, Hend Egzait, Rehaan Khan, Hudson Moser, Sushmitha Venkatesan, Julia Winchell, and Katie Zook.

The nine-week competition culminates on April 9, when the nominees who raise the most funds will be crowned the Northeast Ohio 2026 Woman of Impact Winner and Teen of Impact Winner. The nationwide winners will also be announced, recognizing the most impactful fundraisers across the entire country.

Why Women's Heart Health Deserves Special Attention

Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, yet many don't realize their risk. The Go Red for Women movement, now in its third decade, is designed to close this awareness gap. The initiative challenges women to know their personal heart disease risk and take concrete action to reduce it. By addressing clinical care gaps—areas where women's heart health needs aren't being met by the healthcare system—these nominees are working to ensure that women receive the prevention and treatment they deserve.

The competition represents a grassroots approach to a massive public health challenge. Rather than waiting for top-down solutions, these community leaders are mobilizing their networks, educating their peers, and raising funds to support research that could prevent the next generation from developing heart disease before they even graduate high school.