The Heart, High Cholesterol, and Blood Circulation Issues / Question
Published: July 17, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I don't even know if you would answer questions about this but I'm curious. My girlfriend has been going to the doctor like three times a week because a few weeks back she was at home sick and she just passed out on her floor and couldn't remember what happened. She has also had shortness of breath and the doctors didn't know what it was until now, but they are still unsure so she has to see another doctor. She is sick of seeing doctor after doctor. They said that if she were a 68 year old woman they would have considered it a minor heart attack. But what does it mean if she is 16? Please help; I am so worried about her. Thank you so much.
Signed: Heart Attacks At A Young Age
Dear Heart Attacks At A Young Age,
You are clearly a good person to be so worried about your girlfriend and trying to help her. Your support is probably really comforting to her right now. Unfortunately. TeenHealthFX does not have an answer for you as to what is going on. Only her doctor can answer that and explain what he means. Also, it sounds as if your girlfriend is doing the right thing by seeking out further opinions since the first doctors could not give her enough advise.
Technically, a heart attack occurs when the supply of nutrient-rich blood to the heart muscle is reduced or stopped. This is most commonly caused by a build-up of plaque (mostly from fatty substances) in the arteries that supply the heart. This, however, is extremely uncommon in young people. There are a variety of other things that may by going on with your girlfriend's heart or lungs, which is why it is so important that she continues to seek out medical advise (even if it can get kind of annoying sometimes). She should be seen by a pediatric cardiologist if she has not already done so. In the meantime, just continue to be supportive as your girlfriend goes through what must be a very scary experience.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens with untreated depression are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to higher rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
