Congestive heart failure under age 60

Congestive heart failure is the most common diagnosis in hospital patients 65 and older, but it may come as a surprise to learn that more than 1 million of the 5 million Americans suffering from congestive heart failure are under the age of 60, and some even have symptoms decades earlier. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.

Craig Young, a 59-year-old power lifter, learned four years ago that his heart wasn't pumping right. When doctors told Young he was suffering from congestive heart failure, he was blown away.

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"When I was strong and was lifting the heavy weight, I felt like I could walk out in front of a semi, and I thought, 'You know what, you're not going to hurt me,'" he said.

Doctors said a virus may have weakened Young's heart. It was pumping like that of an 80-year-old with a weak heart.

"It's a lot younger than we typically see. Most of the time, congestive heart failure is a disease of people who are over 65," explained David Rawitscher, medical director of the Congestive Heart Failure Clinic at the Heart Hospital Baylor in Plano, Texas.

But not always, because congestive heart failure is present in 2 percent of all Americans ages 40 to 59. Experts said those numbers have been steadily on the rise.

That's why doctors said everyone should know the symptoms. These include coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, difficulty exercising and difficulty sleeping.

Young also made dietary changes by reducing his salt intake to stop fluid buildup in his lungs.

"This is one teaspoon of salt, this is the maximum recommended for healthy people," explained Emily Hein, registered dietician for the Advanced Cardiovascular Care at the Heart Hospital Baylor.

Young is determined to maintain the dietary changes and he will continue to pump iron to keep his heart pumping strong.

Researchers said there are about half a million congestive heart failure cases each year. Half of those patients are hospitalized again within 6 months.

Take It To Heart

News4Jax, together with Baker-Gilmour Cardiovascular Institute and Walgreens, have put together the Take it to Heart Four Step Challenge, to help you and your family get heart healthy. On the fourth of every month, we take a moment to encourage you to sign up.

There are four steps to the challenge:

  • Learn the symptoms
  • Know your risk factors
  • Stop smoking
  • Exercise

  • To sign up for the challenge, go to www.takeittoheartnow.org.