Congestive Heart Failure in Young Adults: What to Know

Your heart can malfunction in many ways. It can suddenly stop beating, the electrical system can send unusual signals, or it can weaken and not pump hard enough, among other problems. 

At Heart & Vascular Institute, with six Michigan locations, most of our patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are older adults. But our providers also see the condition in younger adults. With lifestyle adjustments and long-term treatment, these young people can lead normal lives. 

Congestive heart failure

As noted above, your heart is complex and can fail in many ways. CHF occurs when your heart struggles to supply blood and oxygen to all parts of your body. Your heart still works, just not as efficiently as it should. 

Because your heart isn’t working efficiently, fluid builds up around your lungs, in your lower legs, and in other parts of your body. You may have problems breathing, notice swelling in your legs, or feel unusually tired, among other possible symptoms. 

CHF is trending up among younger people

It’s not only the providers at Heart & Vascular Institute who see more CHF in younger people. This concerning trend is happening nationwide. Researchers think numerous factors contribute to the increase, including: 

• Diet and lifestyle
• Increased rates of obesity
• Increased number of people with diabetes
• More young people with high blood pressure
• Stress and mental health issues

CHF can also result from defects you’re born with, called congenital heart defects. Some people have a greater likelihood of developing CHF when younger due to their genetic makeup. 

Symptoms and diagnosis

It’s sometimes difficult for younger people to recognize the symptoms of CHF, for several reasons. For one, younger people are generally fitter than older people, meaning the symptoms may be subtler. 

Another reason younger people may miss CHF is that they often don’t have a primary care provider who notices changes over time. Regular checkups are more likely to reveal changes. 

In many cases, younger patients discover they have CHF in the emergency department because their symptoms become unmanageable. 

The most common CHF symptoms include: 

• A general feeling of weakness
• Cough
• Problems concentrating
• A bluish color in the fingertips or lips
• Abdominal pain
• Being unable to sleep lying flat
• Nausea
• Frequent need to urinate
• Loss of appetite
• Weight gain
• Swelling in lower legs, feet, or abdomen
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

A thorough evaluation is required to diagnose CHF. At Heart & Vascular Institute, we perform an exam and discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and family medical history. We may also request diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogram, stress test, and blood work. 

Treating CHF

There’s no cure for CHF, but there are effective long-term treatments. Your personal outlook depends on many factors, such as the underlying cause of your condition and how well you stick to your treatment plan. 

You may need to make changes to your diet, lose weight, take medications, and see your provider at Heart & Vascular Institute regularly. In most cases, younger people can manage CHF and enjoy a high quality of life. 

If you have CHF symptoms, schedule an appointment by phone or online today at any of our convenient locations.