Researchers have examined data from 3832 United States service members who were killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The average age was 26 years old. These were young, healthy, and fit for deployment–without any symptoms. However, just over one in 12 had atherosclerotic plaque buildup, an early sign of heart disease. Those who had been obese or had high cholesterol or high blood pressure when they entered the military were more likely to have these signs of early disease.
PositiveTip: Choose a healthy lifestyle early in life to help control heart disease.