A 30-year-old dad was diagnosed with heart failure after 5 subtle symptoms. It's a growing problem with younger adults.

"As he got older, the symptoms like irregular heartbeat worsened. Balmes worked construction in Orlando, Florida, and assumed his job was partly to blame for his exhaustion. By the time he hit 30, Balmes noticed he was often short of breath when he tried to keep up with his young daughter. He had also gained weight and felt bloated. When the symptoms became too severe to ignore, he wound up in the emergency room."

"His initial denial led to an "emotional rollercoaster" over five months of repeatedly checking out of, and back into, the hospital. Eventually, Balmes underwent surgery for a left ventricular assist device, an implant to help his blood circulate. He also overhauled his lifestyle, including his diet, exercise habits, and stress management, with the help of Dr. Yahaira Ortiz, cardiologist at Orlando Health."

Alex Balmes experienced recurrent racing heartbeat, irregular rhythms, fatigue, bloating, weight gain, and shortness of breath beginning in childhood and worsening by age 30. He worked construction and attributed exhaustion to his job and lifelong anxiety. Symptoms escalated until emergency-department evaluation established heart failure. He underwent implantation of a left ventricular assist device to support circulation and adopted diet, exercise, and stress-management changes under cardiology care. The case illustrates rising cardiovascular problems in younger adults and the importance of recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical evaluation to enable life-extending treatment and healthier functioning.

Read at Business Insider