The age group most affected has also shifted downward. In 2022, patients in their 60s accounted for the largest share of cases at 24.9%, followed closely by those in their 70s (24.5%) and 50s (21.0%). This marks a significant change from 2012, when the 70s age group dominated at 27.1%, while the 60s group rose to 27.4% by 2022. This shift indicates that heart attacks are increasingly striking at younger ages.
Dr. Min-Seok Oh, a cardiologist at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital’s Cardiovascular Center, attributes this trend to lifestyle changes. “We’re seeing a growing proportion of patients in their 60s,” he said. “Westernized diets, lack of exercise, and rising rates of high cholesterol are contributing to deteriorating vascular health, even among younger individuals.”
A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart, becomes blocked, often by a blood clot or vessel constriction. Symptoms may be subtle at first, but sudden blockages can cause severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or other warning signs. Dr. Oh stressed the urgency of seeking care: “If you experience squeezing chest pain lasting more than 30 minutes, go to the emergency room immediately.”
The hospital also operates a cardiac rehabilitation clinic, offering tailored exercise programs and education to support patient recovery. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to addressing South Korea’s rising heart attack burden, particularly as risk factors like poor diet and sedentary lifestyles—exacerbated by the country’s demanding work culture, often characterized by long hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or beyond—continue to take a toll on public health.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
