Porridge is a good choice, according to a nutritionist (Image: Vladimir Vladimirov via Getty Images)
Younger people are placing heart health at the forefront of their priorities and are surpassing older age groups in terms of proactive prevention measures, according to new research. The data reveals that nearly two thirds (64%) of Gen Z aged between 18 and 24 and three quarters (76%) of those aged between 25 and 34 say they actively take steps to maintain a healthy heart.
In contrast, this drops to 54% of those aged over 65. Younger demographics are paying particularly keen attention to nutrition’s role in their health and wellbeing. More than a third (39%) of 25 to 34-year-olds say they know which foods and drinks support heart health, and 65% would choose a drink or snack with functional heart benefits over something just tasty of indulgent.
In research carried out by Savanta ComRes amongst 2,051 UK residents in November 2025, more than half (64%) of under 35s say they are taking proactive dietary steps now to help prevent future heart problems, indicating a movement towards prevention rather than reaction.
Beyond diet, Gen Z and millennials are tracking their heart health meticulously. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of 25 to 34-year-olds get their blood pressure checked at least once a year, alongside 51% of 18 to 24-year-olds.
They are also the demographic most likely to know what constitutes a healthy blood pressure reading (67%), compared to just half of 25 to 64-year-olds. This follows the British Heart Foundation’s update that cardiovascular disease claims a life every three minutes in the UK, affecting more than 18 million people nationwide annually.
Breakfast is important and it can help your heart health (Image: Pexels)
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Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire considers this generational shift encouraging: « We’re seeing a real mindset shift among younger adults. Heart health is no longer viewed as something to worry about later in life – it’s becoming part of everyday wellbeing conversations.
« The rise of health tracking, preventative check-ups and greater nutrition awareness is hugely positive. The key now is making sure reliable, practical advice is accessible to all age groups. »
Dr Derbyshire emphasises that safeguarding your heart doesn’t demand radical dietary changes or punishing exercise regimes: « Small, consistent habits can make a measurable difference. From improving the quality of fats in your diet to increasing potassium intake, incorporating fruit and vegetables, and staying active – these everyday tweaks can play an important role in helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. »
Five simple ways to better look after your heart
Consider plant diversity, not perfection: The gut health trend is here to stay. Consuming a variety of plants increases fibre and polyphenols, which assist in maintaining cholesterol balance and blood vessel function. Rather than counting calories, aim for 30 different plant foods per week, encompassing fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds and wholegrains.
Incorporate a potassium power boost: Potassium aids in balancing sodium in the body and plays a part in controlling blood pressure, but it deserves more recognition. Foods such as leafy greens, beans, yoghurt and fruit can naturally increase your intake. One of my top tips is adding a glass of 100% orange juice to my morning routine, providing me with 11% of my daily potassium requirement.
Upgrade your fats: For years, advice on heart health centred on reducing fat. However, this narrative isn’t entirely accurate; the smarter move is to upgrade it. Instead, choose unsaturated plant fats that can help promote healthier cholesterol levels and improved vascular function. Swap butter on toast for extra virgin olive oil, mashed avocado or nut butter, or replace creamy dressings with olive oil-based vinaigrettes featuring mustard, lemon and herbs.
Make your morning oats work harder: Forget bland porridge – create heart-friendly overnight oats or porridge bowls, topped with potent foods for heart health. The soluble fibre and beta-glucans in porridge oats aid in lowering LDL cholesterol, but when topped with seeds, nut butter and berries, you’ve got a winning combination.
Combine HIIT sessions with intelligent resistance work: Gruelling exercise routines aren’t necessary for cardiovascular advantages. Actually, steady, regular activity that includes resistance training can enhance vascular performance. Increasingly fashionable workouts like Reformer Pilates helps to improve muscle circulation and endurance – it’s also great for stress regulation.
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