Heart failure in young adults: what to know

Heart failure is a pattern of symptoms and test findings, rather than a single disease. In a younger adult, clinicians may look for problems affecting the heart muscle, heart rhythm, valves, blood pressure, or the heart's development. A viral illness, inherited heart condition, some medicines or substances, and pregnancy-related changes can also be relevant, depending on the person.

Possible features include breathlessness with activity or when lying down, reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, a cough, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and swelling around the ankles. Fatigue is a common presentation of many conditions, so it does not identify heart failure by itself. Tests may include an examination, an electrocardiogram, blood tests, an echocardiogram, and sometimes chest imaging or rhythm monitoring.

Arrange a medical appointment for new or worsening breathlessness, unusual tiredness, palpitations, a persistent cough, or ankle swelling. Note when symptoms began, what brings them on, whether they change when you lie down, and any recent infection, pregnancy, family history of heart disease, or use of medicines and supplements.

Until assessed, avoid pushing through symptoms during strenuous exercise. Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not stop heart or blood-pressure treatment without advice. A clinician may refer you for a heart assessment and create a monitoring plan; keeping follow-up appointments helps detect changes early. A chronic disease review can help organise ongoing care.

Call emergency services if severe breathlessness starts suddenly, you cannot speak in full sentences, you develop chest pressure or fainting, or your lips or skin look blue or grey. Seek urgent help for rapidly worsening symptoms, confusion, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely unwell.

Ask what may be causing the symptoms, which tests are needed, whether a family member should be assessed, and which activities are suitable while testing is underway. You can also ask how to track weight or swelling, which warning signs need same-day help, and when your next review should take place.