What Are the Reasons for Heart Problems?

Heart problems are more common than we think. This applies to both young and old individuals. These issues don’t apply to a specific demographic. In fact, there’s data showing afib in young people is very widespread. The most common forms of alteration in heart rhythm is fast, irregular, or slow heartbeats. 

There are ways to manage and track this, though, and I’ve written some useful information on the topic. We can manually track our pulse or use different machines to assist in the process. It’s important to diagnose first, and treat later. We shouldn’t jump to conclusions with our first heart problems.

Common Causes of Heart Problems in Young People

Heart problems can show up at any age. There are many risk factors associated with these issues. Some conditions in young people include atrial septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, and transposition of the great arteries.

I’ll take a step away from complicated medical terms and provide some common causes. The most important is high blood pressure. However, we should also consider other contributors. These include high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Treatment or modification of these variables can improve the quality of life.

Symptoms of Heart Problems

We should keep an eye on certain symptoms or signs that we might have a heart problem. Common warning signs include:

• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Edema (swelling in the legs, neck, arms)
• Chest pain

Pain in these parts of the body are more serious symptoms:

• Jaw
• Back
• Neck
• Shoulder blades
• Upper central abdomen
• Left arm

These warning signs aren’t always indicators that we have an issue. But, we should pay attention to these and consult a doctor if we experience them for prolonged periods of time. Extreme pain on the left side of the chest, left arm, and neck means we should seek immediate medical attention.

Keep a close eye on what your heart is doing with SonoHealth’s EKGraph tool. Take a proactive measure to manage your Atrial Fibrillation today!

How to Prevent Heart Problems in Young People

We can prevent heart problems in many ways. A great first step is to exercise. Daily activity can reduce the likelihood that we’ll experience a serious heart condition. I’ve also benefited from accompanying my running routine with a healthy diet reduced in salt.

Another step in the right direction is to quit smoking. Tobacco is a huge contributor to health problems, and this includes the heart. Managing cholesterol and alcohol intake are other options. Also, we should limit our caffeine intake. This seemingly inoffensive drug can cause a spike in blood pressure.

FAQs

1. Can a 19-year-old have a heart attack?

Yes. Heart disease problems can appear as early as 18 years of age. The primary warning sign is high blood pressure. While the chances of a heart attack are lower when a person is younger, it’s still a possibility.

1. Can stress cause heart pain?

Yes. Stress can cause increased muscle tension. This can produce chest pain and an elevated heart rate. As a result, stress can force your heartbeat to grow stronger and cause unusual pain.

1. Are heart flutters normal?

Heart flutters, or heart palpitations, are when we experience a fast-beating heart. They’re common, but not always normal. Usually, they’re harmless. However, if we experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, as well, we should seek medical attention.