Young Hearts in Trouble: Why Are Children Experiencing Heart Problems? Exploring Causes and Solutions

Heart Attack in Kids: It is said that the smaller the funeral procession, the heavier it is. And when the issue is related to the stopping of the heartbeat of those small children, who are the heartbeat of your heart, then there are no words to describe the situation. Sometimes in school or college, sometimes while walking in the park and sometimes in the playground, sudden heart attacks of children become such a torture on the family that their world is destroyed. The question arises that what is the reason for small children getting heart attacks? Why are they losing breath at the age of eating and playing? In this case, we tried to know from Dr. Manish Agarwal, Senior Consultant and Head of Interventional Cardiology Department of PSRI Hospital, whether there is a special reason behind this or any serious disease? Let us know in this special report. 

Why does heart attack occur? 

The first question that arises is why does a heart attack occur? What is that condition when the heartbeats stop? Actually, the reason for a heart attack is the obstruction in the blood flow running in the arteries.

This obstruction occurs when plaque accumulates in the veins. When this plaque breaks, blood clots start forming and due to which the heart does not get proper blood and the heart muscles start getting affected badly. This is the reason for a heart attack. This heart disease, commonly known as heart attack, is known by many names in medical terms, which are called myocardial infection, cardiac arrest and angina.

Can a heart attack occur at any age?

There was a time when heart attacks were common only after the age of 40. After this, cases of heart attacks started coming up in people of 25 to 30 years and now even small children are getting affected by it. Recently, two children of 15 years each had heart attacks in Gujarat and Telangana.

Last year, a 13-year-old child died along with many others while dancing during Navratri in Gujarat. The reason for this was also said to be a heart attack. In this case, Dr. Manish Agarwal said that now the reason for heart attack is not age, but lifestyle. Due to changing food habits as well as work pressure etc., people’s hearts are getting affected more, the result of which is seen in the form of heart attack. 

Why are children getting heart attacks?

According to Dr. Manish, the reason for heart attack in children is mostly a hole in the heart. Actually, there are many such cases in which children have a hole in their heart from the time of birth. Such a situation arises when the child becomes a victim of congenital heart disease in the mother’s womb itself. The hole present in the heart of such children becomes the reason for heart attack. Due to this disease, their heart valves and vessels are affected very badly. 

Did cases increase due to Covid vaccine?

Covid vaccine is also blamed for the increasing cases of heart attack. According to experts, these things are baseless. They believe that the blood of people who have had Covid has become thick. Such people are advised to avoid excessive workout. However, the risk of heart attack has increased even in those who are not active. 

Parents also remain unaware

Dr. Manish told that he has seen many such cases in which parents are not aware of the hole in the child’s heart. It is detected when the child gets a heart attack due to the hole in the heart getting bigger with age. Due to this the child loses his life. If the child is having trouble breathing or he is often lethargic then it should not be ignored. He should be taken to a doctor immediately. 

Obesity is also responsible

According to experts, increasing weight is also one of the reasons for heart attack. If the child is overweight, is not active, and his lifestyle and eating habits are very bad, then he may have a heart attack. Actually, increasing obesity increases the risk of heart diseases. If the child does not play, remains stressed all the time and his blood pressure remains high, then he can be vulnerable to heart diseases.

Do not ignore these symptoms too

1. Blue marks around the lips
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Shortness of breath while walking or running
4. Not growing properly
5. Frequent dizziness
6. Complaint of chest pain

If you see symptoms, do this work immediately

If the child is having chest pain or difficulty in breathing, consult a doctor immediately. A little carelessness can create problems. Get the child’s BP checked regularly. All the heart-related tests of the child should be done at the time of birth. Stay away from junk food and keep the child active.