Approximately 126.9 million American adults (49.2%) have one or more types of cardiovascular disease (CVD). And while the risk of heart disease increases as we reach the retirement years, CVD affects people of all ages. According to the CDC, 1% of U.S. adults 18 to 44 (about 2.5 million) have been diagnosed with heart disease. That number jumps to 5.4% in 45 to 54-year-olds.
And, it seems the incidences of cardiac events, like heart attacks, are on the rise in young people — even those under 40.
A heart disease diagnosis is never welcome, but it can be particularly jarring for those under 60 who may not have seen it coming. Young CVD patients are often in their prime working and child-rearing years, and many are simultaneously caring for elderly relatives.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart disease at a young age, it’s important to remember that you are not alone — and that it is possible to live well and thrive after a CVD diagnosis.
In this post, we’ll:
Explore how stress affects young CVD patients differently than those over 60.
Offer tips on how to minimize stress and practice self-care amid a busy season of life.
Highlight helpful resources to live and thrive after a CVD diagnosis.
Stress and Young CVD
A look at the current scientific literature around the psychological effects of heart disease finds there’s a lack of research for adults who fall into the 18-55 category.
Even though being younger “is associated with more adverse psychological outcomes in cardiac settings,” according to a recent Frontiers in Psychology article, the majority of studies on how to cope with CVD usually focus on children, teens and older adults (above age 55).
“Young adult patients tend to have more difficulties in adjusting to their disease, present unique challenges and coping behaviors, and experience more depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms and decreased quality of life compared to older patients.”
Another study found that in women living with CVD, higher levels of stress were associated with worse outcomes, including higher incidence of another cardiovascular event.
There are a number of reasons why this might be the case, including time. Most young CVD patients often have a lot on their plates. They don’t have the benefit of a retiree’s open schedule, which means they need to take time off work to schedule doctor’s visits, or find childcare for the kids to make it to appointments.
Juggling a busy schedule, work, kids, family and friend obligations, and more would leave anyone stressed. Add in the time and effort it takes to manage a new heart disease diagnosis and it’s no wonder quality of life suffers.
While it’s challenging, learning to manage stress is crucial to living well with CVD and remaining as healthy as possible. Start by:
Exercising — even if it’s just a daily walk around the block.
Seeking treatment from a mental health professional.
Rely on your support system. When your friends, family members and neighbors offer to help, take them up on it.
The Sandwich Generation
Increasing numbers of middle-aged adults are part of what has come to be known as the sandwich generation — so called because members are sandwiched between caring for children and aging parents. According to Pew Research, 47% of adults in their 40s and 50s have parents over 65 and are supporting children.
Sandwiched adults are pulled in many directions and many (38% according to Pew) are called upon to provide emotional support, as well as financial support for both parents and children.
If you’re a part of the sandwich generation you may be under a lot of stress. This can take a toll on your physical and mental health, and it can also worsen heart disease.
If you find yourself sandwiched between competing priorities, there are some things you can do to manage the stress of being a caregiver:
- Set boundaries with your loved ones. It’s okay to say no if you’re not able to do something.
- Make time for yourself. carve out time each day or week to do something that you enjoy, without obligations.
- Ask for help. Don’t try to do everything on your own — delegate tasks to other family members or hire outside help when needed.
Resources and Support
Heart disease may be a lifelong condition, but with the right resources and support, you can live a long and fulfilling life.
Support groups. There is no better support than those who know exactly what you’re going through. Young Mended Hearts offers groups throughout the country dedicated to meeting the support needs of heart disease patients and their loved ones under 60.
Counseling. Along with peer support, a professional therapist can help you learn to cope with your diagnosis and manage your stress to lessen the emotional impact of heart disease.
Plan for recovery. Abbot offers five concrete, practical steps that — along with medical technologies and interventions — can help young patients recover and rebuild after congestive heart failure:
Improve your diet
Enjoy your exercise
Learn your family history
Reduce stress
Get better sleep
The Heart of the Matter
Living with heart disease most likely was not in your life plan, especially not at this age. But with a comprehensive plan and the right support, you can live and thrive after a heart disease diagnosis.
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