Congestive heart failure is the most common diagnosis in hospital patients 65 and older, but it may come as a surprise to learn that more than 1 million of the 5 million Americans suffering from congestive heart failure are under the age of 60, and some even have symptoms decades earlier. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.
Fifty-nine year old Craig Young learned four years ago that his heart wasn't pumping right. When doctors told this competitive weight lifter he was suffering from congestive heart failure, he was blown away.
Power lifter and heart patient, Craig Young told Ivanhoe," When I was strong and was lifting the heavy weight, I felt like I could walk out in front of a semi, and I thought you know what, you're not going to hurt me."
Doctors say a virus may have weakened Craig's heart. It was pumping like that of an 80 year old with a weak heart.
Medical Director of the Congestive Heart Failure Clinic at the Heart Hospital Baylor in Plano Texas, David Rawitscher, MD told Ivanhoe, ""It's a lot younger than we typically see. Most of the time, congestive heart failure is a disease of people who are over 65."
But not always, because congestive heart failure is present in two percent of all Americans ages 40 to 59. Experts say those numbers have been steadily on the rise.
That's why doctors say everyone should know the symptoms. These include coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, difficulty exercising, and difficulty sleeping.
Craig also made dietary changes by reducing his salt intake to stop fluid buildup in his lungs.
Emily Hein, RD, LD Registered Dietician for the Advanced Cardiovascular Care at the Heart Hospital Baylor told Ivanhoe, "This is one teaspoon of salt, this is the maximum recommended for healthy people."
Craig is determined to maintain the dietary changes and he will continue to pump iron to keep his heart pumping strong.
Researchers say there are about half a million congestive heart failure cases each year. Half of those patients are hospitalized again within 6 months.
BACKGROUND: Heart failure is caused when the heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to support the other organs found in our bodies. This does not mean that the heart has stopped beating, but it is very serious. A little over 5 million people in the United States alone die from this each year. About half of people who experience heart failure die within 5 years after they are diagnosed.
(Source: http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_failure.htm )
RISK FACTORS: There are many diseases that damage your heart, and these can also increase your risk for heart failure. A few of the main diseases are:
· Diabetes
· High blood pressure
· Coronary heart disease and heart attacks
Unhealthy behaviors also increase the risk to have heart failure. The more of these you have the greater your chances are:
· Smoking tobacco
· Eating foods with high levels of fat, cholesterol, and sodium
· Lack of physical exercise
· Obesity
(Source: http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_failure.htm )
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE: The common signs of heart failure include running out of breath during daily activities, or not being able to breathe well when lying down. Weight gain is also very common. There is often swelling seen in the legs, feet, ankles, or stomach. People with heart failure often feel very tired and weak. Getting diagnosed early can significantly improve the length of time you live if you have heart failure. The ways to treat heart failure usually involve taking medications, reducing the daily amount of sodium in your diet, and exercising or being active daily.
(Source: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartFailure/WarningSignsforHeartFailure/Warning-Signs-of-Heart-Failure_UCM_002045_Article.jsp )
* For More Information, Contact:
Susan Hall
Media Manager
Baylor Health Care system
Phone: 214-820-1817
susanh@baylorhealth.ed
Free weekly e-mail on Medical Breakthroughs from Ivanhoe. To sign up: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk