Of course heart disease is enough difficult when it strikes adults, but not to deny, it can be tragic in children and youth.
There are a whole range of heart diseases that can affect children and youth. They include viral infection, congenital heart defects that affect the heart. Worry not; with the new improved medicine and technology, children with heart disease go on to live full active lives.
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Congenital Heart Disease: Some children are born with this type of heart disease. Some of the most common heart conditions found in children include – structural heart defects. This typically involves a problem with the heart muscle or the heart valves. In most of the times, children born with CHD will survive and with proper treatment will also be able to lead a near-normal life. Examples of CHDs are:
- Atrial septal defect – a hole between the upper 2 chambers of the heart
- Ventricular septal defect -a hole between the lower 2 chambers of the heart
- Coarctation of the aorta – the main artery leaving the heart is constricted
- Tetralogy of Fallot – involves several structural defects
Atherosclerosis: It involves the buildup of fat and cholesterol-filled plaques inside the arteries. With the increase in the plaque buildup, the arteries become narrowed and stiffened. This further increases the risk of blood clots and heart attacks. Obesity, juvenile diabetes and other health issues put children at higher risk. Heart disease treatment in Kolkata for this kind thus involves lifestyle changes and dietary modifications.
Arrhythmias: Medically speaking; this is typically an abnormal rhythm of the heart, which can cause the heart to pump less efficiently. Different types of arrhythmias may occur in children –
- Tachycardia – a fast heart rate
- Bradycardia – a slow heart rate
- LQTS – long Q-T Syndrome
Heart disease treatments however depend on the type of arrhythmia and how it’s affecting the child’s health.
Kawasaki Disease: This is a rare condition that affects children and cause inflammation in the blood vessels in the hands, feet, mouth, lips, and throat. Treatment typically depends on the severity and on the extent of the disease.
Heart Murmurs: In lay language, heart murmur is typically the “whooshing” sound made by blood circulating through the heart’s valves, through the heart’s chamber or through blood vessels near the heartAlthough it’s harmless, however often in certain cases, heart murmur may signal underlying cardiovascular problem. Heart murmurs can be caused by congenital heart defects, anemia or fever.
Pericarditis: This condition is occurred when the membrane that surrounds the heart becomes infected. Treatments to a great extent depend on the severity of the child’s age, and their overall health.
Rheumatic Heart Disease: Rheumatic fever can damage the heart muscle and the heart valves permanently. Although, rheumatic fever may occur in children between 5 to 15, but the typical symptoms of rheumatic heart disease don’t show up for 10 to 20 years after the original illness.
A growing body of evidence shows an epidemic of childhood obesity has led to a significant increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in children and youth. It is estimated, worldwide one in 10 school-aged children are estimated to be overweight.
Don’t take your child’s heart health for granted. Talk to a cardiologist in Kolkata and also do everything in your control to maintain your child’s healthy weight.
Good luck!