Heart attacks are but one of the dangers of heart disease. There are others than can strike at any age and any fitness level. This was something Tracy learned when she took her 16 year old daughter to a routine doctor appointment.
Tracy was shocked when her daughter mentioned that sometimes she feels like she can't breathe and has passed out. Tracy thought it was asthma related. Heart disease isn't something you think about when it comes to your 16 year old active daughter.
The doctor ran several tests and three days later delivered the news that no mother wants to here. Tracy's daughter was diagnosed with Bradycardia and Tachycardia.
Bradycardia means your heart beats very slowly. It can be a sign of a very healthy person or it could be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. In severe cases the heart doesn't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. It can be life threatening.
The symptoms of Bradycardia are feeling dizzy, lightheaded, breathless, tired, having heart palpitations, having trouble concentrating and fainting. It can be caused by aging, heart disease, thyroid problems or medications. Your symptoms may be mild.
Tachycardia is the opposite. It is a fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower part of your heart. The heart beats too rapidly and the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen rich blood to the rest of the body. The symptoms mirror Bradycardia. Some people who have short bouts of tachycardia do not have any symptoms.
Treatments for both can include medication and having surgery to implant a pacemaker. The underlying cause must be found and treated. One underlying cause for both could be a heart attack.
Did you know many women don't have chest pain during a heart attack? Heart attack symptoms in women differ than those traditionally felt by men.
Heart attack symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness or unusual fatigue, pain or discomfort in your stomach, nausea, vomiting or dizziness. These symptoms are a continuous theme for women with heart disease.
Women tend to be misdiagnosed more often than men. Because of the absence of chest pain the doctors may assume it is stomach flu. This is where you need to voice your concerns. Always be sure to inform them of any family history of heart disease. Don't assume they will read your chart. Speak up! You must become your own advocate.
Tracy was lucky because her daughter's doctor took her symptoms seriously and ran the necessary tests. An EKG alone may not indicate heart disease. A 24 hour heart monitor, which is a portable EKG might be needed. Two years have passed and Tracy's daughter is doing well. Tracy does not take her daughter's health for granted and is ever vigilant. She knows not to ignore the warning signs, will you?
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