As humans with a lot going on in our everyday life, it’s easy to not take certain things into consideration. It’s hard to keep up with every detail when life is constantly evolving so there’s no wonder why keeping up with your body may be difficult at times. Especially if you’re a young adult because your focus could be on other things such as what new music is out, what’s the latest fashion trend or booking a reservation to the hottest new restaurant in town. Though it may not be on your mind, it’s important to know that just because you’re young, that does not mean you are exempt from certain medical conditions like problems with your heart. In fact, you may be more susceptible to them, and here’s why.
Can Young Adults Experience Heart Failure?
Though it may not seem like it or it may just be an unknown fact, some of the common medical issues that older adults face are the same ones young adults and children can face as well. Sometimes age has nothing to do with why you may have developed a certain medical condition and sometimes it does.
Regardless of the fact, your heart is one of the most important aspects of your body and sometimes it just doesn't work well. Why? Well it could be because of your diet, something changed in your DNA and it can be a condition that you’ve developed over time, or it could be something you were born with.
All in all, just because you are a young adult, that does not mean you are not exempt from heart failure. In fact, there is a specific type of heart failure that affects young adults and children the most.
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What Is Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. This type of heart disease can lead to heart failure later on down the line.
There are different types of cardiomyopathy: dilated, restrictive and hypertrophic. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is most commonly found in children, teens and young adults. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is when your heart muscle grows too thick and that is why It cannot pump blood properly. This can also cause fast heartbeats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is also the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in children and young adults.
The cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown but in some cases, it can be inherited or passed down from parents to their children. Obesity, long-term high blood pressure, a long-term rapid heart rate, diabetes and lack of vitamins and minerals in your diet are all behaviors and conditions that can lead to cardiomyopathy.
Previously having COVID-19, infections that cause inflammation in the heart, chemotherapy medications or medication used to treat cancer and even iron buildup in your heart muscle can also lead to cardiomyopathy. These are all developed causes that can lead to any type of cardiomyopathy whether it be in children, teenagers, young adults or older adults.
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Signs And Symptoms To Look For
Unfortunately in the beginning stages of development, there are no signs to know of or look for. Once this condition starts to advance, then you will begin to notice certain symptoms such as fast heartbeats, bloating due to the fluid buildup in your abdomen, fatigue, coughing while laying down, and not being able to lay down flat to sleep.
If you also notice in yourself or your children, fatigue, swelling of the ankles, legs and feet, chest discomfort, dizziness and fainting, these are all symptoms of cardiomyopathy.
Can This Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented. Some cases are due to genetics, while others develop over time or develop instantly and worsen over time.
However, you can lower your risk of development by exercising, controlling diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, reducing your stress levels, incorporating a healthy diet into your everyday life, getting enough sleep and staying away from substances such as alcohol and cocaine.
The heart is a precious treasure to have so it’s important to know what could happen to it or what you could pass on to future generations. Heart failure is serious, so do the work now to prevent issues in the future.
