is it possible for a 21 year old to have a heart attack?

Question

i know im pretty much digging my own grave: smoke 2 packs a day, never exercise, eat tons of meat (cnt remember last time i had a vegtable) get drunk every night and heart disease is very common in my family. personally i dont care if i die from it i wont stop doing what i want just to add a few years to my life i was just wondering cus a few times in the past i had strong chest pains on the left side of my chest, i didnt get that 'pain shooting down my arm' thing people talk about, but i dont know what it was that was causing the pain, i was just curious because of where the pain was (the heart is on the left side, right?) but i was just curious is it posible to have a heart attack and still be able to finish the work day/ or whatever else i was doing? i dont have health insurance so im not about to go to the hospital and drop a grand to have them tell me nothings wrong, so thats why im asking u guys lol. thanks for your time and have a great day!

Answer 1

Going to the doctor, not the hospital, will be well worth the money if you have any concerns whatsoever.

To answer your question, yes a heart attack at 21 is possible. But what you described sounds like heartburn and/or acid reflux to me. (That diagnosis worth the paper it's written on.) You could try an antacid first to see if it helps, but getting a check-up is the smart thing to do in this case. If there is a problem, you want to treat it ASAP.

Usually heart attacks start with an all over sick and tired feeling a day or two before the "attack" actually occurs. Then when it does hit, it takes you out (literally). You can't even walk or stand. Most people describe the feeling as having a truck parked on their chest....with the associated radiating arm pain as well. They can also be "silent", meaning there is no pain involved but the sufferer just doesn't feel right (lack of energy, labored breathing, etc.)

Answer 2

It is possible for anyone at any age to have a heart attack. The type of diet you have can cause artery disease, blockage of the artery to the heart which can then cause a myiodic infarction, a heart attack. People who are genetically predisposed to heart conditions can have heart attacks and people with poor diets can, heart disease affects everyon everywhere. Your best bets are to change your diet now by giving up a few things. Stop eating all fried foods no matter what. Start taking Omega Three Faty Acid everyday, you can get this at Walmart, start doing some kind of exercise three times a week such as just going for a walk even if its to the mailbox, and cut your smoking down to one pack a day. Most of all stay away from alcohol. It isn't good for your body and it is a depressent. Just by giving up drinking you can make a huge turn around with your health.

Answer 3

First of all there is a big difference from living until you are 80 and dying by 25. That's much more than a few years. I'm not telling you to stop everything you are doing and totally revamp your life but you may want to consider the quality of life you will have if you survive a heart attack. Yes you can have a heart attack, a doctor's son had one at 16 because he grew too fast and his heart gave out on him. Age doesn't matter with that. Also have you had any symptoms of acid reflux? It could be that, or a arrhythmia in your heart. I would go see a cardiologist or at least get a stress test done. Good Luck

Answer 4

I couldn't diagnose you, but I can say, YES, it's possible to have a heart attack at the age of 21. I had a childhood friend die of a heart attack at the age of 10 (early 1970's).

You are right, though. Doctors don't tend to take heart-attack-like symptoms in a young person very seriously.

So, yes it is possible. If you are comfortable with your lifestyle, then just consider it your own game of roulette (sp?).

Answer 5

Hey my dear buddy, I think what you are saying will surely (maybe slowly) pave your way to the grave. Yes, smoking 2 packs/day, eating that much meat (red ??) and not at all exercising will surely be pretty injurious and bad for the health even though you are so young. Pls. try to consult a good doctor.
So try to take some good care..obviously if you wish and want so. I am from India.
Take care & lol...........

Answer 6

Yes, it is possible. When I was in school, I had a friend that was only 14 when she died of a heart attack. No one including her family knew anything was wrong with her heart until it happened. Alot of hospitals will see you with/without money,,,get it checked out while something can be done about it,,,

Answer 7

Yes its very possible.

Esp seeing your diet and lifestyle...

If you feel chest pains, breathing difficulities, it is called cardiac angina, caused by insufficient O2 to your heart.
This insufficiency is caused by narrowing of your vessels with all the fatty deposits.

When it get worse, an infarction/ heart attack will occur, an infarction is necrosis of the tissue (eg ur heart), due to lack of blood travelling to it, and hence decreasing your O2.

Change your life style, cigarettes are a waste of dimes... save up and buy yourself a nice health package. Save yourself before its too late.

Answer 8

yes a 21 year old can have a heart attack. Its not as common, but your right up there with your lifestyle. I hope you have your looks caus ethen you can leave a good looking corpse.

But your pains don't sound like a heart attack, maybe a mild stroke casue your arteries must be clogged.

Answer 9

I use to get pains like that and im only 18 almost 19. but i think its kuz i was born with a heart murmer.

Answer 10

I'm 29 and smoke 3 packs a day i get those pains too and I'm still kicking!