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You might think heart disease is something only older adults need to worry about, but just think about how many of those older folks could have prevented their heart problems if only they had paid more attention when they were younger.
It’s never too late — or early — to start caring for your heart.
Dr. Asif Aziz at Prestige Primary Care, P.A., in Dallas, Texas, helps adolescents, tweens, teens, and 20-somethings understand the importance of early heart health management. Here’s his guide on what heart conditions affect young people, the risk factors involved, and some practical tips to keep your heart in top shape.
What heart conditions affect young people?
It might surprise you that several heart conditions can affect teens and young adults. While these conditions aren’t as prevalent in younger people, knowing about them can save your life.
Congenital heart defects
Some young people are born with congenital heart defects (CHDs), abnormalities in the heart’s structure that develop before birth. They can range from simple issues that don’t require treatment to complex conditions that need lifelong care.
Dr. Aziz can detect problems early, so regular check-ups are an excellent way to stay ahead of heart problems.
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that are either too fast, slow, or erratic. While often harmless, some arrhythmias can lead to serious complications if left untreated. If you have an arrhythmia, you might experience palpitations, dizziness, and fainting.
Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is another condition that can affect young people. It’s often dubbed the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to severe health issues like stroke and heart attack over time.
Dr. Aziz can monitor your blood pressure regularly and recommend lifestyle changes that keep hypertension at bay.
Am I too young for a heart attack?
The unsettling truth is that heart attacks can occur at any age, even in your 20s or 30s.
While older adults are at higher risk, younger people aren’t immune. Genetics, lifestyle choices, and existing health conditions can contribute to early heart attacks.
The tricky part is that your symptoms might not always be classic, such as chest pain. Instead, you might have shortness of breath, fatigue, and even jaw or back pain. Knowing these signs and when to call us can save your life.
What puts young people at risk for heart problems?
Some factors are genetic, but your habits and behaviors affect your heart, too, such as:
- Poor diet: junk food leads to weight gain, high cholesterol levels, and increased blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity: sitting is the new smoking
- Smoking: tobacco damages the blood vessels and leads to plaque build-up, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Alcohol: too much alcohol contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease
The bottom line is that you can do your heart a favor by eating a healthy diet, moving more, not smoking, and limiting alcohol.
Tips all young people should know about heart health
Taking proactive steps to care for your heart can have long-lasting benefits. Here are some of our favorite tips.
1. Eat a balanced diet
It’s always best to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Get plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, nuts, and fish, is great for your heart.
2. Stay physically active
Regular exercise is a great way to keep your heart (and the rest of you) healthy. Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing are all excellent options. Incorporate both aerobic exercises, which improve cardiovascular fitness, and strength training, which benefits overall health.
3. Manage stress
Chronic stress can damage your heart — practicing mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can lower your stress and save your heart.
4. Get regular check-ups
Dr. Aziz is a stickler for regular check-ups because they allow him to detect potential heart issues early, when it’s easier to treat them. He monitors your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar to establish your baselines and watch for changes.
5. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
If you smoke, talk to Dr. Aziz about how to quit.
If you drink, start limiting your alcohol intake to moderate levels. The general guidelines are no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
6. Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight, particularly around your abdomen, increases your risk of heart disease. Dr. Aziz offers medically managed weight loss services.
Help your heart beat well into the future — call Prestige Primary Care, P.A., or book online today.