Heart Attacks Can Occur in Teenagers

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Nancy L. Brown, PhD

Here is a scary thought - teenagers can have heart attacks and severe chest pain in teens should not be dismissed - like that would happen.

The recent issue of Pediatrics includes an article by two cardiologists from the Heart Center at Akron Children's Hospital about heart attacks in nine healthy teenagers, eight of whom were male.

These teens were all 12 to 20 years old, without any obvious risk factors and normal coronary arteries. All nine had abnormal cardiac enzyme levels, and three had abnormalities revealed in the echocardiogram. Tests for drug abuse, cholesterol levels, and blood coagulation rate were all negative.

Just a reminder - we can all help prevent heart attacks by avoiding nicotine, controlling blood pressure, not being overweight, controlling diabetes, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and exercising daily!

Photo credit: gandhiji40

Tags: Healthline, teen health, heart attack

Labels: Health Care

Permalink | Email Post

The Healthline Site, its content, such as text, graphics, images, search results, HealthMaps, Trust Marks, and other material contained on the Healthline Site ("Content"), its services, and any information or material posted on the Healthline Site by third parties are provided for informational purposes only. None of the foregoing is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Healthline Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Please read the Terms of Service for more information regarding use of the Healthline Site.