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Published on: February 17, 2018
Easily Missed: A Case Series of New Heart Failure in Young Adults
Eric J Hall1, Jonathan Menachem2, Lynne Warner Stevenson2
1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
Insights
Heart failure (HF) in young adults is uncommon but presents unique diagnostic challenges. Early recognition of diverse causes and symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and referral to specialized centers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is uncommon in young adults but can arise from various etiologies.
- Diagnosing HF in younger individuals presents challenges, primarily in recognizing subtle signs and symptoms.
Observation:
- Presents four cases of new heart failure diagnoses in young adults.
- Etiologies included familial cardiomyopathy, tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Findings:
- Young adults with HF may not exhibit classic signs and symptoms, necessitating a high index of suspicion.
- The presentation of HF in young adults differs significantly from that in older populations.
Implications:
- Prompt referral to specialized centers with advanced cardiac care capabilities is essential for young adults diagnosed with HF.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are critical for managing heart failure in this unique demographic.
Abstract:
Background. While uncommon, heart failure (HF) can present in young adults from a variety of causes. Identifying HF in a young patient presents many challenges, the foremost of which is recognition of the signs and symptoms of HF. Case Summary. We present four cases of new diagnosis of HF (due to familial cardiomyopathy, tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and peripartum cardiomyopathy) to highlight the range of etiologies and presentations requiring recognition in this patient population. Discussion. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose HF in young adults, who may not present with classic signs and symptoms. Young adults represent a unique patient population that differs from the older patients with HF. Young adults with newly diagnosed HF should be promptly referred to a center offering full diagnostic capabilities and advanced cardiac therapies.
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