The Importance of Early Screening in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Young Adults

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality and have shown a concerning increase among young adults. This phenomenon is primarily driven by modifiable factors such as physical inactivity, inadequate diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress. Recent literature highlights that early screening is an essential strategy for identifying these risk factors, enabling effective preventive interventions. This study conducted a narrative literature review using the databases PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2019 to 2025. A total of 28 articles addressing the prevention and early diagnosis of CVDs in young adults were analyzed. The results demonstrated that screening through simple tests—such as blood pressure measurement, blood glucose, and lipid profile—allows the detection of asymptomatic conditions and significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. In addition to clinical benefits, a positive economic impact is observed, reducing costs related to hospitalizations and long-term treatments. It is concluded that early screening should be incorporated as a priority public health policy, integrating health education, risk screening, and continuous medical follow-up, with a special focus on young adults.