How heart attack strikes the youth
Though it is rare, young people can suffer a heart disease.
Heart attacks can strike at the young, old, and even the health-conscious at any time. So, here are the basics young people should know about myocardial infarction.
Many young people have little or no knowledge of the condition, and some of them think they are not likely to experience it during their youth. But health experts, like Mpho Lekae, a nurse based in Munsieville, have warned that people can have a heart attack without warning.
“Not many people are aware that heart disease is a broad spectrum illness – heart valve disease, cardiac arrest and heart failure are all part of the condition, not just heart attack.
I have witnessed a 19-year-old who suffered a heart attack, who, along with his parents, was in denial when they learned that he’d had a heart attack because they said he was too young,” she said.
Sister Mpho said heart disease is also influenced by genetics, as more people with family members who have endured angina, for instance, which is part of cardiovascular disease, are at a high risk.
“Young people with risk factors such as family health history have to lead healthy lifestyles, like exercising regularly (five days a week) for 30 minutes, which includes a healthy diet, they should also go to their local clinic to check cholesterol,” said Sister Mpho.
Pain that occurs around the chest area, neck, or arms should be checked by health professionals, as being tested is the only way to find out what could be the cause of pain. According to Livestrong, a health and fitness programme, signs of a heart attack include:
• Weakness and the inability to stand on their own. Others may limp.
• Breathing problems, which may be accompanied by anxiety and being unable to remain still.
• Episodic heartbeat, meaning that the heart could pound fast, or beat very slowly.
• Some people may be passive, may not be responsive and others may or may not have a pulse.
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