There’s growing evidence that young people in the US are on a path to dying earlier than their parents’ generation.

The Heart Foundation is concerned that young Australians could be heading in the same direction.

Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death, with someone suffering a heart attack every nine minutes.

Their top health concern is mental health (at 59 per cent) followed by cancer (41 per cent).

Only 16 per cent of respondents ranked heart disease as their biggest worry.

Concerns about heart health have put the eating habits of young adults under the microscope. 

A separate study found that 40 per cent of their energy intake comes from takeaway food, snacks and restaurant meals. 

Researchers blame the system, including the rapid expansion of meal delivery apps.

“These services are aggressively marketed to young people. As soon as you sign up to an app, you receive notifications, push notifications, and special deals,” University of Sydney Associate Professor Stephanie Partridge stated.

Prevention of heart disease is now front and centre.

“The decisions you make in your 20s and 30s will impact your heart health in the future,” Raffoul said.

“I have two sons who, due to my experiences, might have a better comprehension in the future that they need to be evaluated more thoroughly,” Wayne Broady mentioned.