Doctors emphasize early heart‑health habits as key to preventing future disease

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Health experts say it's never too early to start thinking about heart health, noting that many longterm risks begin forming in childhood and often solidify by the late teen years.

"So everything with respect to our health starts in childhood and unfortunately, by the time individuals hit 18 or 20, a lot of these habits and risk factors are already in place," said Dr. Lance Gault, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Fresno.

According to Gault, early intervention and prevention play a major role in helping people live longer, healthier lives.

He pointed to recent findings within the organization.

"We've had some recent studies that have come out, because of the preventative aspect of our approach and that our members are actually 33% less likely to experience premature death due to heart disease," he said.

Doctors say many teens already show risk factors for obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes by age 18.

Those conditions can quietly worsen over time and lead to serious heart problems if not addressed.

"Chest pain is something that everyone's concerned about, but over time really starts to become more short of breath when you walk short distances. You're noticing swelling, rapid weight gain, um and these can all be an indication that the heart's under stress," Gault said.

Health providers recommend limiting time spent online or on phones, increasing physical activity and making mindful food choices to help reduce those risks.

Gault said reducing processed foods can make a meaningful difference.

"I think the more we can move towards avoiding processed foods, the better off we are. Mediterranean diet's a good balance because you can still have, you know, lean meats, and you're looking at a lot of vegetables," he said.

Regular checkups and following recommended screenings also help young adults track emerging risk factors.

Doctors say knowing what to watch for early can set the foundation for healthier habits that last into adulthood.

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