Youthful Heart Failure: Origin, Symptoms, and Avoidance Strategies
In the realm of cardiovascular health, heart failure is often perceived as a disease predominantly affecting older adults. However, recent trends and research have shed light on its occurrence in younger populations, even in individuals as young as their 20s.
Heart failure, a condition where the heart fails to pump blood efficiently, is more common in older adults, with its incidence increasing significantly with age. Yet, it's essential to recognize that this condition is not limited to the elderly. Various factors such as cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, or underlying medical conditions can lead to heart failure in young adults [1][5].
The aging process itself is a major risk factor for heart failure, particularly for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which becomes more frequent in older populations. However, a concerning trend has emerged in the form of an increase in heart failure cases among younger patients, often related to conditions like myocarditis or viral infections such as COVID-19 [1][5].
In the United States, an estimated 1.4 million people under the age of 60 live with heart failure [3]. Sweden, too, reports about 10% of total hospitalizations for heart failure occurring in people between the ages of 18-44 years [4].
While heart attacks, which can lead to heart failure, are traditionally associated with older adults, they are increasingly being reported in younger adults due to risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, smoking, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle factors [2][4].
In younger people, common causes of heart failure include adult congenital heart disease, genetic dilated or familial cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, myocardial lesions from excess alcohol or drugs, and pregnancy [5]. In mild cases, shortness of breath during exercise or physical activities can occur [5].
Signs and symptoms of heart failure can include general weakness, cough, fatigue, trouble concentrating, bluish color in fingers and lips, sleepiness, abdominal pain, inability to sleep lying flat, nausea, needing to urinate often, loss of appetite, weight gain, swelling in the neck, ankles, abdomen, veins, or feet [5].
Preventing heart failure in a person's 20s involves managing conditions that can cause it, avoiding tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs, managing stress, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive sodium intake [5].
With treatment and lifestyle adjustments, a person may be able to live a typical life and help prevent complications from occurring. Treatment for heart failure can involve a diet low in sodium and high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats, medication, regular monitoring, regular physical activity, drinking fewer liquids, the use of devices to reduce sodium in the blood, a heart transplant, and surgeries [6].
Researchers suggest that doctors evaluate anyone who presents with unexplained shortness of breath and fatigue [6]. It's crucial for anyone, regardless of age, to seek emergency medical help if they experience symptoms such as pain in the chest, shortness of breath, signs of a heart attack, dizziness or fainting [7].
A 2020 study found that being young does not necessarily improve the outlook of a person with heart failure. Younger people generally report a lower quality of life compared with older individuals [8]. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, it's possible for younger individuals with heart failure to live full, active lives.
[1] Heart Failure in Younger Adults: A Comprehensive Review [2] Heart Failure in Young Adults: Diagnosis and Management [3] Heart Failure in Younger Adults: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes [4] Heart Failure in Younger Adults: An Epidemiological Perspective [5] Preventing Heart Failure in Young Adults [6] Treatment of Heart Failure in Younger Adults [7] Symptoms of Heart Failure in Younger Adults [8] Quality of Life in Younger Adults with Heart Failure
- The prevalence of heart failure extends beyond older adults, affecting some as young as their 20s, a condition sometimes linked to myocarditis or viral infections like COVID-19.
- Various medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and genetic predispositions can contribute to heart failure in young adults, including diabetes and hypertension.
- In the U.S., approximately 1.4 million people under 60 live with heart failure, while in Sweden, about 10% of heart failure hospitalizations occur in individuals aged 18-44 years.
- Heart attacks, a leading cause of heart failure, are increasingly being reported in younger adults due to various risk factors.
- In young people with heart failure, common causes may include adult congenital heart disease, myocarditis, or genetic dilated or familial cardiomyopathy.
- Symptoms of heart failure can include general weakness, cough, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and shortness of breath during exercise or physical activities.
- Preventing heart failure in younger adults involves managing conditions that cause it, avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs, and leading a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, young individuals with heart failure can live full, active lives, which may involve a diet low in sodium and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, medication, regular monitoring, and exercise.
- Research suggest doctors should evaluate anyone with unexplained shortness of breath and fatigue, as heart failure can impact adults of all ages.
- Seeking emergency medical help is crucial for anyone experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart attack symptoms, or dizziness or fainting, regardless of age.
- A study in 2020 found that being young doesn't necessarily improve the outlook for individuals with heart failure as younger people generally report a lower quality of life compared to older individuals.
- Managing chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, or mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder, is important for maintaining cardiovascular health and potentially reducing the risk of heart failure.
