A new study found that people who experience the most severe heart attack in the last 20 years were younger and more obese. Moreover, many of them were smokers.

These individuals also suffer from other serious health conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

The study also analyzed the incidence of smoking and obesity among people with ST-elevation heart attacks (STEMI), which is a serious heart attack type that can lead to disability and death. They found that the rate of obesity among these individuals surged to 40 percent from 31 percent in the last two decades.

While the joint initiatives of the government and health care providers succeeded in lowering smoking rates in the last 20 years, the study still found that among STEMI patients, 46 percent still smoked. The rate increased from 28 percent two decades ago.

The researchers recommended that, to reduce the risk of developing heart attack, health care must advise their patients to embrace a healthier diet, becoming more physically active and lose weight.

"Prevention must be kept in the forefront of primary care," said the study's lead researcher, Dr. Samir Kapadia from the Cleveland Clinic.

What Is Fueling Unhealthy Lifestyles And Obesity Rates?

A 2015 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that more than 36 percent of Americans are still obese. The report also found that women (38.3 percent) are becoming more obese than men (34.3 percent).

A related 2015 study found that, prior to the obesity outbreak in 1970s, Americans are now eating more calories. In the analysis of approximately 5,000 American participants, researchers found no association between the person's body mass index and the amount of junk or fast food they consume.

Although, this doesn't mean that junk or fast food is not a contributing factor to the rising obesity rates. The findings suggested that Americans are eating more calories than before. Health experts advised that instead of cutting calories, focusing on healthier calories and eating less processed foods are better options in the fight against obesity.

Photo: Steven Pisano | Flickr