30-Year-Old Dad Diagnosed with Heart Failure After Subtle Symptoms

It's a growing problem with younger adults, as a young father's experience shows.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Alex Balmes, a 30-year-old construction worker in Orlando, Florida, thought he was just dealing with anxiety when he experienced symptoms like fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. It turned out he was actually suffering from heart failure, a condition more commonly associated with older adults. After a rollercoaster of hospital visits and a surgery for a left ventricular assist device, Balmes is now working to manage his condition through lifestyle changes and is on the transplant list for a new heart.

Why it matters

Heart disease and failure are on the rise in younger adults under 45, yet many in this age group don't expect to face such serious cardiovascular issues and may delay seeking medical care. Balmes' story highlights the importance of recognizing subtle warning signs and getting checked out, as early detection and treatment can make a big difference.

The details

Balmes, who worked construction, initially attributed his symptoms like fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath to anxiety and the demands of his job. But by age 30, his condition had worsened, with additional symptoms like weight gain and bloating. After ending up in the emergency room, Balmes was diagnosed with heart failure and underwent surgery for a left ventricular assist device to help his blood circulate. He has since overhauled his lifestyle, including his diet, exercise, and stress management, with the help of his cardiologist.

  • Balmes first started experiencing symptoms like irregular heartbeat and fatigue when he was a kid.
  • By the time he hit 30 years old, Balmes' symptoms had worsened, including shortness of breath and weight gain.
  • Balmes underwent surgery for a left ventricular assist device about 5 months after his initial heart failure diagnosis.

The players

Alex Balmes

A 30-year-old construction worker in Orlando, Florida who was diagnosed with heart failure after experiencing subtle symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.

Dr. Yahaira Ortiz

A cardiologist at Orlando Health who has been treating Balmes and helping him manage his heart condition through lifestyle changes.

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What they’re saying

“I would feel my heart thump hard in my chest and then it would just start racing.”

— Alex Balmes (Business Insider)

“Younger patients do not think that they are sick, much less that they have congestive heart failure. They attribute symptoms to everything else but being sick.”

— Dr. Yahaira Ortiz, Cardiologist (Business Insider)

“If you're short of breath just lying down, that's not normal. Extreme ranges of blood pressure, inability to perform the activities that you used to do because you're just too exhausted, abdominal bloating, those are usually the most common symptoms.”

— Dr. Yahaira Ortiz, Cardiologist (Business Insider)

What’s next

Balmes is currently on the transplant list to eventually receive a new heart, but in the meantime he is focused on managing his condition through lifestyle changes and spending quality time with his young daughter.

The takeaway

Balmes' story highlights the growing trend of heart disease and failure affecting younger adults, underscoring the importance of recognizing subtle warning signs and seeking prompt medical attention, as early intervention can make a significant difference in treatment and outcomes.