Fatigue and decreased exercise capacity are normal parts of aging, but they can also be early symptoms of heart failure. This dangerous medical condition is on the rise in younger individuals, making it critical to check symptoms with a cardiac expert. https://www.thenyheartcenter.com/
Decreased energy levels, weight gain, and that out-of-breath feeling remind many millennials that they aren't 20 anymore. Increasingly, though, these normal signs of aging aren't always what they seem.
While heart failure occurs most often in one's 60s or 70s, cardiologists have recently noticed that the risk is rising sharply after age 45. But there's good news, too. Catching the condition early can help limit - and even reverse - its effects. Checking symptoms promptly and partnering with medical specialists is more important than ever, according to experts at the New York Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease.
Previously a condition afflicting mostly elderly patients, heart failure is increasingly impacting individuals ages 35-64, according to the Heart Failure Society of America. What's more, their annual rise in mortality is higher than that of older adults. Across all age categories, roughly 6.7 million Americans over the age of 20 suffer from heart failure, with expectations for the number to hit 8.7 million by 2030 and 11.4 million by 2050.
This condition, which impacts how well the heart circulates blood, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease - the top killer in the United States. Cardiac experts at the New York Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease can help individuals determine whether concerning symptoms are a matter of aging or decreased activity rather than a progressing problem with the heart. This is especially important in younger patients who may not suspect heart failure is an issue for them.
In some cases, heart failure can be reversed, but requires testing and collaboration with experts to determine causes and potential treatments. Medications that help to lower blood pressure, reduce excess fluid, and assist in effective heart pumping can be a first line of defense for many. Additionally, making nutritional changes and increasing activity can improve daily energy levels. However, only a medical expert can determine which approach is best for each individual.
In order to diagnose and treat heart failure, cardiologists must evaluate symptoms and measure heart function with diagnostic tools. Electrocardiograms, or EKGs, are used to assess the heart's electrical activity and help identify any abnormalities in rhythm. Other tests, like echocardiograms, measure how well the heart pumps blood and whether structural changes are a factor. Lab testing can be used to find markers of cardiac stress, while mobile monitors can be worn to detect irregular heart rhythms over longer periods. These findings can help medical professionals formulate an effective treatment plan.
The following symptoms can indicate heart problems, according to the cardiac experts at the New York Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, and should not be ignored:
Shortness of breath that happens during activity, rest, or even lying down.
Fatigue that makes daily tasks exhausting.
Swelling of feet, legs, or ankles.
Rapid weight gain of 2+ pounds in a day.
Decreased exercise tolerance.
Many of these symptoms can be caused by fluid backup, indicating the heart's struggle to pump effectively, and should be investigated by a doctor. Seek immediate medical attention for more serious cardiac symptoms, like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, and passing out.
Heart failure can be hereditary, but also influenced by other factors like smoking, obesity, or abuse of alcohol and drugs. High cholesterol, blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes also put individuals at risk. As the number of heart failure cases rises and the age of onset decreases, it's important to check out symptoms and avoid blaming them on too many birthdays. Visit the link in the description to learn more. The NY Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease City: New York Address: 136 East 57th Street, Suite 1001 Website: https://www.thenyheartcenter.com/ Phone: +1 212 717 0666 Email: info@thenyheartcenter.com