Young People
Growing Up With a Heart Condition
Mental Health
Exercise
Alcohol
Privacy
Sex
Travel
Support
Introduction
Growing up with a heart condition might have its tough moments, but with a little help, we reckon you’ve got this! There are many people ready to support you, like doctors, family, friends, and organisations like HeartKids. We’ve also put together some handy resources below to help you out, covering everything from looking after your mental health to keeping fit and healthy. Check them out!
Mental Health
And Your Heart
How Is My Mental Health Related To My Heart?
5 Tips to Look after your mental health!
1. Do the things you love
Making time to do the things you enjoy can help to lift your mood and boost your energy levels. Having hobbies can help you cope with stress and connect with people.
2. Hang with friends and family
Making time to do the things you enjoy can help to lift your mood and boost your energy levels. Having hobbies can help you cope with stress and connect with people.
3. Eat, sleep, move
Making time to do the things you enjoy can help to lift your mood and boost your energy levels. Having hobbies can help you cope with stress and connect with people.
4. Connect with others
5. Learn about your condition
Exercise
With a Heart Condition
Fitness and strength
Health weight and body image
Mental health and happiness
Meeting new friends
A healthy heart
Alcohol
and energy Drinks
What are the risks of drinking alcohol?
Drinking alcohol carries risks for everyone. Alcohol can affect your body and behaviour. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can affect your mental health. In the longer term, it can also damage important organs like your brain and liver. Young people are more likely to be negatively impacted by alcohol because their brains are still developing.
Can I drink energy drinks?
Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant. It can make you feel more awake, but it also causes your heart to beat faster. Energy drinks may change your heart rhythm, which can be dangerous if you have a heart condition. For some people, it may be safest to avoid energy drinks.
I have a heart condition.
Can I drink alcohol?
Alcohol affects everyone differently. How it affects you depends on things like your weight, medical conditions, medications, what you have been eating and how quickly you drink. Some people with a heart condition may need to avoid alcohol. In Australia you must be 18 to legally purchase and drink alcohol.
Privacy
in Health care
Why is this important?
Research has shown that sometimes young people avoid getting medical help because they fear their parents finding out about it. This could be in relation to sexual health and contraception, mental health, alcohol, or other sensitive topics.
Growing up, you probably attended all your medical appointments with your parent or carer. As you get older, you may have questions you would like to ask your doctor without your family in the room. A private chat gives you the opportunity to do this.
Will the doctor keep our convo private?
If you are under 18 years of age, a doctor will keep your conversations and appointment notes private if they decide that you can make decisions on your own and that you are not in danger. The best way to know for sure what information will be kept private and what won’t be is to ask your doctor at the beginning of the appointment.
How do I talk to my doctor privately?
You can ask your doctor for a confidential appointment (even if you are on your parent’s Medicare Card). This is a normal question they are used to hearing. Having time alone with your doctor can also help prepare you for the future when you will be managing your health care independently.
Sex
and contraception
When should I have sex?
Only you can decide when is the right time to start a sexual relationship. It’s about your emotional wellbeing. Most young people find talking to friends or family helpful. Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions, it’s always good to get the facts!
From a physical point of view, having sex is reasonably strenuous. It takes about the same effort as climbing two flights of stairs. You’ll also need to think about contraception and discuss this with your health care team.
What is Contraception?
Contraception is used to reduce the chance of pregnancy. It’s also called birth control.
Some facts about contraception
- The majority of heart defects do not reduce fertility – you will need to think about and discuss contraception with your doctor, just like other young people do
- CHD does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – you will need condoms to reduce your risk of STIs
- If you are a young woman, the discussion about contraception may start with your GP, but should also involve your cardiologist and possibly a gynaecologist.
Travel
and travel insurance
Making a Travel Checklist!
Organise travel Insurance
Choose a policy that covers your pre-existing heart condition. Take your time to fill out the forms and tell them about your heart. If you don’t, they may refuse to pay your claims.
Check for extra vaccinations
Plan your medications
Take photos of prescriptions and medications
Create a list of health services at your destination
Talk to your doctor or health care team
Support Resources
Useful numbers and websites
There is a lot of support available to help you on your journey to independence and your transition to the adult health care system.
