What are the common symptoms of heart failure that people ignore?

Commonly ignored symptoms of heart failure include irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, bloating, and unexpected weight gain.

How many Americans would see a cardiologist for heart failure symptoms?

Fewer than 10% of Americans surveyed indicated they would schedule an appointment with a cardiologist if they experienced symptoms of heart failure.

What is an LVAD and how does it help heart failure patients?

An LVAD is a battery-powered implant that assists the heart in pumping blood through the body, helping to manage severe heart failure symptoms.

Home / Health / Young Heart Failure: Ignoring Deadly Symptoms

Young Heart Failure: Ignoring Deadly Symptoms

3 Feb

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Summary

Many dismiss heart failure symptoms as signs of aging.
Less than 10% of Americans see a cardiologist for such symptoms.
A young man's life was saved by a heart-assist device.

Many Americans, particularly younger ones, are unaware of heart failure symptoms, often mistaking them for signs of aging or everyday stress. A survey indicates that less than 10% of people experiencing symptoms like irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and bloating would seek specialist care.

Alex Balmes, a 32-year-old from Orlando, Florida, initially dismissed his symptoms as anxiety until they worsened significantly. His condition progressed to organ failure, necessitating an emergency room visit and the implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

This implantable pump now supports Balmes' blood circulation, serving as a temporary measure while he awaits a heart transplant. His experience underscores the importance of medical attention for persistent symptoms, even when they seem unlikely for a young person.