Overview
- Orlando Health’s online survey of 1,022 U.S. adults found only 9% would immediately schedule a cardiology visit for classic symptoms, while roughly half wouldn’t call their primary care doctor.
- Alex Balmes, 32, delayed care for shortness of breath, fatigue, bloating, weight gain and jittery feelings, later presenting in late-stage heart failure with organ dysfunction.
- Doctors implanted a left ventricular assist device to stabilize him as a bridge to a future heart transplant, with recovery typically taking about three months.
- The LVAD improved his daily function, yet it requires external batteries and precautions that preclude submersion in water and demand close follow-up.
- Clinicians say such cases are becoming more common in younger adults, citing risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, alcohol use, and genetic or environmental contributors.