Heart Screening: It is Not Just for Adults\How to Make a Heart-Healthy Home

Heart Screening: It is Not Just for Adults

When you think of heart screening, there is a tendency to visualize someone who is over 50 years of age needing a test like that. However, in some cases, it is just as important for teens to have heart screening as it is for adults.

We have all heard stories about a healthy teen on an athletic field collapse and, unfortunately, pass away. Teens can have a serious condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can cause sudden cardiac death.

Sudden cardiac death in a teen is typically caused by a defect of the heart. A sporting activity can bring about sudden cardiac death in a youth who is affected by an abnormality or defect of their heart.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the muscles of the heart thicken, causing the heart to enlarge. This happens to be genetic heart disease. However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is screenable and can save lives.

Having this genetic disease can cause several problems:

* The heart may not get the flow of blood and oxygen supply that it needs to function properly

* Arrhythmia, which is a slow or irregular heartbeat

* In rare cases, sudden cardiac death

Indications or Symptoms

There are several indications or symptoms that you want to be aware of when it comes to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Any of these symptoms should not go undiagnosed:

* Pain in the chest

* Shortness of breath

* Feelings of faintness

* Light-headedness

* Dizziness

* Rapid heartbeat

Long QT Syndrome

Long QT Syndrome is a disorder affecting the rhythm of the heart, and this syndrome is inherited. Extreme and rapid beats of the heart can lead to sudden death syndrome as well.

If there is a family history of sudden death syndrome, with any signs or symptoms such as fainting or shortness of breath it is imperative to have your teen receive a heart screening.

Many organizations provide heart screening awareness for both parents and teenagers. More importantly, these organizations also provide awareness to schools. Being educated and aware are the beginning steps in heart-health matters. An ultrasound of the heart can detect whether or not one is at risk. Speak to your family doctor and your school and inquire about heart screenings in your area.

Many parents speak to their schools and their family doctor about having a heart screening done on their teen, especially before joining a school sport. An ounce of prevention, as they say, is worth a pound of cure.

How to Make a Heart-Healthy Home

Just as with any other undertaking, making your home heart-healthy requires a little bit of thought and some action. You will want to have everyone in your home on board right from the beginning.

There are several tips to begin your heart-healthy home endeavor. Here are a few:

Incorporate Team Work

Once you have decided to create a heart-healthy home, it is time to gather around the family members and let them in on your little secret. Starting too fervently may alarm your team members, so begin with a casual family discussion starting with the basics.

Let your family know that they are important to you and because they are, you want what is best for their health. Letting them know that you are intent on keeping your own heart-healthy will give them a clear understanding that you are not dictating, but a participant, as well. Tell them that you want to be healthy so you can be in their lives as a healthy individual for years to come.

Start a Plan of Action

One of the most important things about making a heart-healthy home is to steer clear of dictating what should and should not occur. Let your family members be a part of the decision making from the beginning.

When you allow your family members to be part of the decision making and give their input, you allow for freedom and creativity. It is also necessary to be open to giving and take. Do not deny a treat or a sweet now and then; just make sure it is in moderation.

Add Instead of Subtract

When it comes to meals, the best way to get your family to try new foods is to add something new every couple of days. Rather than taking out all cookies or cakes in a gung-ho fashion from the onset, try incorporating something new. You can even be creative and have your kids pick a color and add foods based on that color. For example, if you choose green, you could add:

* Green squash

* Green grapes

* Broccoli

* Creamed spinach

This way, it will be more fun rather than a chore. Adding and creating your own healthy dips is a great way to get the whole family involved.

On to the Next Step

If you start your heart-healthy endeavor with a team spirit firmly in place, you can then feel free after a bit of time to incorporate exercise into your regimen.

After that, there will be no stopping you!