Heart disease can strike anyone regardless of age. Therefore, it is important for you to recognize the characteristics of heart disease at a young age so that it can be detected early and treatment can be done as soon as possible.
Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in Indonesia, even worldwide. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019 alone there were around 17.7 million people in the world who died from heart and blood vessel disease.
The results of the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) initiated by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia noted that the number of people with heart disease in Indonesia is increasing every year.
There are at least 15 out of 1,000 people or approximately 2.7 million Indonesians who suffer from this condition. Some of the number of people with heart disease are young adults who are still productive.
The increase in the number of cases of heart disease in young adults is caused by various factors, ranging from unhealthy eating patterns, infrequent exercise, smoking habits, to certain diseases such as high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
Therefore, even young adults need to be vigilant. In order to avoid heart disease and its complications, identify the symptoms of heart disease at a young age, so that this condition can be detected early and treated immediately.
Characteristics of Heart Disease at a Young Age that Are Rarely Realized
Heart disease can cause a variety of symptoms and everyone can experience different symptoms. However, there are several characteristics of heart disease at a young age that may be rarely realized or often misunderstood, including:
1. The body is easy to limp
The body is weak after activities, especially after doing strenuous physical activity all day, is a normal condition to occur.
However, if you suddenly feel weak or short of breath after doing light activities that previously didn't make you tired, it could be a sign of a heart problem.
2. Chest pain that radiates to the neck or arms
One of the hallmarks of heart disease at a young or old age is the sudden onset of severe chest pain that can radiate to the arms, neck, or jaw.
Some people describe the pain sensation as sharp, heavy, and strong. Chest pain due to heart disease can sometimes radiate to the shoulders.
3. Dizzy
There are many things that can make you dizzy, such as not eating or drinking enough, dehydration, stress, to fatigue.
However, if dizziness appears suddenly and is accompanied by discomfort, pain, or tightness in the chest, you need to be alert and you should contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of dizziness like this could be one of the symptoms of heart disease that you are experiencing.
4. Heartburn
Heartburn accompanied by nausea is often caused by stomach problems or digestive problems. However, these symptoms can sometimes also appear due to heart disease.
If you have risk factors for heart disease, you should not ignore the symptoms of heartburn that appear suddenly because these symptoms may be one of the characteristics of heart disease at a young age.
5. Pain in the jaw or throat
One of the hallmarks of heart disease is chest pain that radiates to other parts of the body. As previously mentioned, the chest pain can radiate to the neck, jaw, or surrounding areas such as the throat.
If you feel such pain complaints, immediately see a doctor for examination and treatment.
6. Cold sweat
When experiencing heart disease, a person can experience a sudden cold sweat or excessive sweating. The characteristics of heart disease at a young age can appear even when you are not doing activities or are in a cool room.
If you are young but have experienced the above symptoms, immediately see a doctor for a medical examination. This is important to do to determine whether the symptoms you are experiencing are a sign of heart disease at a young age or not.
After the diagnosis of heart disease is confirmed by a doctor, you will get treatment to avoid dangerous complications of heart disease.
Other Symptoms of Heart Disease at a Young Age
Apart from the characteristics of heart disease at a young age that are rarely realized above, heart disease can also cause a variety of other symptoms, namely:
- Hard to breathe
- pounding chest
- Heart rate becomes faster or slower
- Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes
- Feeling anxious or restless
- Pale
- Faint
- Dizzy eyes
Heart disease is a dangerous condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible by a doctor. The slower the treatment, the higher the risk of complications such as permanent heart damage or even death.
Therefore, if you experience symptoms that are characteristic of heart disease at a young age, immediately consult a doctor. If indeed you suffer from heart disease, the doctor will provide treatment so that the condition does not develop and cause complications.
