By Laura Williamson, American Heart Association News | Contributor
For numerous teenage girls, the heart symbolizes communication. Heart emojis enhance their messages, while heart signs feature prominently in their social media selfies.
However, few girls ponder the heart as the vital organ it truly is—the hub of the circulatory system, delivering oxygenated blood throughout the body to keep everything functioning well.
While many young girls assume their heart health is solid, adolescent health specialists emphasize there is still much to learn about safeguarding their cardiovascular welfare.
Here are five essential points to consider:
Heart health starts now
Expert pediatric cardiologist Dr. Teresa Lee states that the habits and lifestyle choices formed during adolescence—like regular physical activity and healthy eating or lack thereof—can set the trajectory for future cardiovascular health.
“It’s best to start early,” Lee remarked, also an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. “The goal should be to prevent cardiovascular disease rather than treat it later. The choices made in childhood and adolescence have a long-lasting impact on overall health.”
Research indicates that atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that hardens arteries, can begin during teenage years. Narrowed or hardened arteries restrict blood flow and may lead to serious health issues like heart attacks or strokes later in life.
A poor diet, smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity, and being overweight can elevate cholesterol levels, which is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and associated conditions.
According to statistics from the American Heart Association, teenagers may display various cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, elevated cholesterol, inactivity, obesity, and poor dietary habits.
“Rapid weight gain from unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity can lead to lifelong weight challenges, profoundly affecting heart health,” explained Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan, director of pediatric adolescent gynecology at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. “Sedentary teens often have disrupted sleeping patterns, further impacting their cardiovascular health.”
The AHA advocates that youth adopt the heart-healthy behaviors recognized for adults: remaining active, consuming a fiber-rich diet filled with fruits and vegetables and low in fats, managing a healthy weight, sleeping well, and abstaining from smoking or using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Engaging in organized sports, joining dance teams, or attending fitness classes are excellent ways to begin, according to Simms-Cendan.
“Participating in sports, even without being an elite athlete, can pave the way for better heart health in the future,” she added.
Pay attention to your heart
Even though most teenagers are likely to have healthy hearts, it’s crucial to recognize any symptoms that may indicate an issue and to discuss them with someone, according to Lee.
For instance, “if you suddenly find yourself unable to do something you could easily accomplish before, that could be a warning sign,” she advised. “Trust your sense that something might be off.”
Ceirra Zeager*, from Ephrata, Pennsylvania, believed her heart was in good condition until she collapsed while dressing the day after her first high school dance.
“Heart disease doesn’t discriminate based on age,” recalled Zeager, who suffered a heart attack at 14 due to an undetected hole in her heart. “I felt an indescribable pain, despite appearing otherwise healthy.”
Now 23, Zeager volunteers with the AHA’s Go Red for Women campaign and urges teenage girls to pose questions to healthcare providers regarding their heart health and to pay attention to their bodies. “It’s possible to hear irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias,” she noted. “Understanding what this means is valuable knowledge.”
While irregular heart rhythms can arise from various causes and may not indicate serious issues, they should be evaluated. Zeager mentioned her heart murmur could have been identified with a stethoscope. “I wish I had known to inquire about it,” she acknowledged.
Lee suggested that peers might also help identify when something isn’t right. “If you notice that you’re not performing as well as your friends, particularly in physical activities, and if you find this is worsening over time, it’s important to talk to your parents or healthcare provider,” she advised.
Even if everything appears normal, “there’s no wrong time” to pose questions about heart health, said Lee. Annual wellness visits offer a perfect opportunity to discuss ways to maintain good cardiovascular health and address any potential risk factors.
Pregnancy impacts heart health
“Pregnancy can place significant stress on anyone’s body, particularly the heart,” stated Lee.
Teenage pregnancies can elevate the risk of conditions like preeclampsia, characterized by dangerously high blood pressure.
This situation can be even more perilous for teens with existing congenital heart defects or cardiovascular risk factors, leading to complications during pregnancy.
“Certain contraception methods are generally safer for girls with heart concerns,” highlighted Simms-Cendan. Progestin-only birth control tends to be a preferable option, she noted.
While estrogen-containing contraceptive pills may be suitable for healthy young women, those with heart conditions and uncontrolled blood pressure should avoid them, as they might escalate blood pressure and other risks. “Many girls at high risk for unplanned pregnancies are not receiving proper contraceptive guidance,” Simms-Cendan cautioned. “It’s crucial that those with heart issues considering sexual activity are informed about safe contraceptive methods. If you do become pregnant, immediate prenatal care is essential.”
Not all sensations are heart issues
A racing heart can signify potential heart problems, but it might also result from anxiety, which has surged among teens since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
“Anxiety can lead to an increased heart rate,” Simms-Cendan explained. “Although this can be alarming, if the heart is otherwise healthy, there is no immediate danger.”
Nonetheless, such symptoms should be assessed, and if anxiety is the cause, it needs to be addressed.
Mental health can impact all bodily systems, including cardiovascular health, Simms-Cendan noted. “They influence energy levels and motivation to remain active. Depressed individuals may lack the energy to stay active or may choose to remain in bed for extended periods.”
Parents play a vital role
Discussing heart health with teenagers can pose challenges for parents. However, if they want their children to adopt healthy practices, the first step is to model these behaviors, say Lee and Simms-Cendan.
“Teenagers may not always be open to advice or critiques about their lifestyle choices from adults,” Lee noted. “One of the best things parents can do is to exemplify a healthy lifestyle and make sound choices themselves.”
Simms-Cendan concurred, stating, “You can’t advise a teen to make healthy choices if you aren’t practicing them yourself. If you’re worried about your child’s weight or blood pressure, it’s ineffective to tell them to avoid junk food if it’s readily available at home.”
“If you’re concerned about their health and want to support their journey towards better habits, you must lead by example,” she emphasized. “Remove unhealthy options from the household.”
She also suggested that parents involve their teens in grocery shopping to help them pick out nutritious items they enjoy. Taking walks together can also promote healthy habits, she added. “Inviting them for walks may lead to them preferring to listen to music rather than converse. Allow them to keep their headphones in,” she suggested. And if they decline the walk? “Inquire what they prefer for engaging in physical activity.”
HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not represent a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment specific to your health needs. If you are in the United States and facing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance right away.
*Ceirra Zeager is actively spreading awareness about heart health for teenage girls and young women. (American Heart Association)
