Heart Disease in Pediatric Age Group

Cardiovascular risk affects all phases of life, and its prevention and screening should be started in early childhood. Though heart attacks are not common in children, there are few cardiovascular diseases of concern which affecting children are systemic hypertension, dyslipidemia and congenital heart diseases (diseases present by birth).

As childhood obesity takes pandemic shape, likewise the patient of systemic hypertension is going on increasing. According to various studies, the prevalence of systemic hypertension varies from 3-11%. Main causes of obesity in these age groups are sedentary lifestyle, long screen time, junk foods, soft drinks, and canned food. Hypertension is also found to be commonly associated with kidney disease and hence requires thorough evaluation.

Congenital heart diseases can be detected early in life by cardiac check-ups and echocardiography.

Adopting a healthy life, balanced diet and engaging in physical activities can prevent many cardiac problems up to an extent and that at early stage too.