Teenage Heart Disease & Heart Failure Symptoms
Teen Cardiac Problems Can Originate from Unhealthy Choices
Sep 26, 2009
The incidence of heart disease is growing among teenagers and young adults. There are a number of ways a person can get heart disease that can lead to heart failure. Heart failure in children is typically caused by genetic defect or cardiac infection that may damage the heart muscle. Certain chemicals used to treat cancer and leukemia can damage heart tissue. Heart damage can result from the onset of other diseases such as diabetes.
Heart disease among teens can occur from poor lifestyle habits – habits that could be prevented. Teen heart disease can stem from one or a combination of the following conditions: obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, smoking, illegal drug use, abusing legal drugs, and living a sedate lifestyle. Left untreated, heart disease may lead to chronic heart failure which eventually can result in death.
Understanding Heart Disease and Heart Failure
Heart disease is sometimes referred to as cardiovascular disease – a condition that involves blocked or narrowed blood vessels that can cause heart attack or stroke. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one common example of heart disease, but many more conditions exist under the same heading, including heart disease caused by genetic heart defects and heart infections.
The website MayoClinic has posted the article "Heart Disease" (Mayo Clinic staff, 2009) and defines the term heart disease: "Heart disease is a broad term used to describe a range of diseases that affect your heart, and in some cases, your blood vessels."
Heart failure (Aka Congestive heart failure or CHF), means the heart cannot pump effectively and therefore cannot circulate blood to supply organ and tissue demand. The walls of the heart may become thickened and stiff, and unable to perform properly. High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, genetic defects, and infection can each grow worse over time, developing into a chronic condition that weakens the heart muscle.
Referring to the same Mayo Clinic site and the page titled, "Heart Failure" the Mayo Clinic staff states, "Heart failure typically develops slowly and is a chronic, long-term condition, although you may experience a sudden onset of symptoms, known as acute heart failure. The term 'congestive heart failure' comes from blood backing up into – or congesting – the liver, abdomen, lower extremities and lungs."
Symptoms of Heart Failure in Teenagers
The Texas Heart Institute presents the article, "Heart Disease Risk Factors for Children and Teenagers" (Institute staff, 2009) and has this to say about teenage heart disease: "Heart disease is not a major cause of death among children and teenagers, but it is the largest cause of death among adults in the United States."
Symptoms of heart disease can vary and depend on the age of the person and the cause. Symptoms in teenagers that are relative to poor lifestyle habits – obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, etc. – can include (but are not limited to):
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Lack of appetite and nausea
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Increased heart rate
Prevention of Heart Disease in Teenagers
Teenagers can become victims of heart disease in the same manner as adults. Heart disease caused by smoking, obesity, etc. can be prevented or treated by making healthy lifestyle choices, and by not giving into peer pressure.
Healthy living choices for teens include common sense decisions, proper diet and regular exercise. Many online sites offer teen diet tips for overweight teenagers that are serious about losing pounds. Losing weight lowers blood pressure and blood sugar. Blood cholesterol levels can usually be brought under control and managed with healthier eating habits and proper nutrition.
There is no better reason for teens to stop smoking than to prevent heart disease. Referring to the Texas Heart Institute article, "More than 90,000 people die each year from heart diseases caused by smoking. Among young people who would otherwise have a very low risk of heart disease, cigarette smoking may cause as many as 75 percent of the cases of heart disease."
The incidence of heart disease and heart failure among teenagers will undoubtedly escalate unless teenage obesity, smoking, and other damaging behaviors are brought under control. Poor nutrition and a sedate lifestyle contribute to heart disease, but so does the continual abuse of prescription drugs and over the counter medications – the newest form of drug abuse among young people.
Parents of teens are urged to watch for any ongoing unusual symptoms or changes in behavior that might signal a cardiac problem or a problem with drug abuse. Contact a physician immediately for any concerns. Simple changes in lifestyle can help teens prevent the risk of heart failure now, and later in life. Get involved before it's too late.
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