#teenagers #heart #health
Most teenagers don’t think about their heart – it just works. But even at a young age, it is important to adopt a good lifestyle and pay attention to a few things so that it stays that way for the rest of your life.
The foundation for keeping your heart healthy should be laid in your youth: “It’s about preventing cardiovascular diseases instead of having to treat them later. The decisions and habits you develop in early childhood and adolescence determine your health and well-being in the years to come,” explains pediatric cardiologist Dr. Teresa Lee. Arteriosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”), high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels can develop in adolescence and lead to heart attacks, strokes or other problems later in life.
That’s why it’s important to exercise a lot, eat a diet rich in fiber and plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep and don’t smoke (including e-cigarettes).
Although most teenagers have a healthy heart, it is important to talk to parents or other trusted people if they have symptoms. Signs can be, for example, when usual physical activities suddenly become more difficult or when you notice that your peers are much fitter. Sometimes there are congenital heart defects or other causes that cause problems over time and can be corrected before serious consequences arise.
What girls need to know
Young women should know that certain types of contraception vary in their effectiveness when it comes to heart disease. So are e.g. B. Pills with estrogen are not recommended for heart problems and uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Pregnancy can also have an impact on the heart. There is a greater likelihood of serious complications during pregnancy, especially if you have congenital heart defects or risk factors such as high blood pressure and being very overweight. The important thing here is to be attentive, prevent and react early.
Those: American Heart Association
