A heart attack can occur in teenagers, though it is uncommon. Unlike adults, heart attacks in young people frequently stem from different underlying causes.
Understanding Teen Heart Attacks
Heart attacks are significantly less frequent in teenagers than adults. Less than 10% occur in individuals under 40, with few in adolescents. This age group is less susceptible because typical adult risk factors, like extensive plaque buildup, usually haven’t developed.
When heart attacks occur in teenagers, reasons differ from the coronary artery disease common in older individuals. Teen heart attacks link more frequently to congenital conditions, genetic predispositions, or acute issues, rather than progressive arterial narrowing.
Underlying Causes in Adolescence
Several factors can lead to a heart attack in a teenager. Congenital heart defects, structural issues present from birth, can impede blood flow to the heart muscle. Examples include abnormal coronary arteries or severe aortic valve narrowing, which can disrupt blood flow and cause a lack of oxygen to the heart.
Genetic conditions also predispose teenagers to heart problems. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle thickens, is a common inherited cause of sudden cardiac events. Other inherited disorders, like Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome, affect the heart’s electrical rhythm, increasing the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. Familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing very high cholesterol from a young age, can also lead to premature coronary artery disease.
Acquired heart conditions, developing after birth, can also be causes. Myocarditis, heart muscle inflammation often triggered by viral infections, can damage the heart’s pumping ability. Kawasaki disease, primarily affecting younger children, causes blood vessel inflammation, including coronary arteries, potentially leading to damage or aneurysms that impair blood flow. Rheumatic heart disease, a complication of untreated strep throat, can scar heart valves, affecting their function.
Substance use is another concern. Stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamines, and illicit prescription medications can dangerously increase heart rate and blood pressure, constricting blood vessels and potentially triggering a heart attack. Energy drinks, with high caffeine and other stimulants, can also cause cardiovascular issues, including increased blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and heart attacks, especially with excessive consumption.
Less common causes include extreme physical exertion in an individual with an undiagnosed heart condition. While rare in teenagers, severe atherosclerosis can occur prematurely in those with genetic predispositions or lifestyle risk factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure, which may begin in childhood.
Recognizing the Signs
Recognizing heart attack signs in teenagers can be challenging, as symptoms may be subtle or differ from adults. Chest pain or discomfort, feeling like pressure, tightness, or aching, is common. This discomfort can persist for several minutes or come and go.
Pain may spread to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort, is another symptom. Teenagers might also experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Other symptoms include nausea or vomiting, unusual fatigue or weakness, and palpitations or a racing heart. These signs can be mistaken for less serious issues like anxiety, muscle strain, or indigestion. Seek medical attention if these symptoms occur, especially during or after physical activity.
Immediate Actions and Outlook
If a heart attack is suspected in a teenager, call emergency services (911) immediately. Prompt medical attention can minimize heart damage and improve outcomes.
Avoid driving the individual to the hospital; emergency responders can begin treatment sooner and manage complications during transport. While waiting, have the person sit down, rest, and remain calm. Loosen any tight clothing to ease discomfort.
With early diagnosis and medical intervention, recovery is possible for teenagers. Managing the underlying cause through medication, lifestyle changes, or other medical procedures prevents future events. Ongoing medical care monitors heart health and addresses persistent issues.