In the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a 13-year-old child died in school; preliminary medical reports suggest the cause was cardiac arrest. Some time earlier, a similar incident occurred at a school in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, where a 9-year-old girl suddenly lost consciousness, and a heart attack was also suspected in that case.
Although the exact causes of death in both cases will only be determined after an autopsy, these incidents have raised serious concerns about why heart attacks and cardiac arrests are occurring at such a young age. Specialists are discussing the symptoms and prevention methods for such conditions in children.
Dr. Gaurav Kumar from the Pediatric Cardiology Department at Yashoda Medicity explained that cases of heart attacks and cardiac arrests among children are becoming increasingly common. He attributes a significant cause to changes in children's lifestyles, their dietary habits, and lack of physical activity.
Furthermore, Dr. Gaurav noted that congenital heart diseases and heart rhythm disorders can underlie heart attacks in children. Today, most children prefer spending time on mobile phones, television, and video games instead of playing outdoors. Increased consumption of fast food and packaged snacks leads to children developing issues like obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes at an early age, which negatively affects the heart.
A heart attack and cardiac arrest are two different medical conditions, but both are extremely dangerous emergencies. While heart attacks in children are rare, cardiac arrest can happen at any age. There are specific signs to watch out for:
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Cessation of breathing or inability to breathe normally
- Absence of pulse
- Undetectable heart rhythm
- Sudden severe chest pain
To maintain children's heart health, it is crucial to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. Children should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical exercise daily. Activities such as cycling, running, swimming, football, badminton, and skipping rope help keep the body active and the heart healthy.
Dietary attention is also necessary. Children should be offered fruits, green vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and balanced home-cooked meals. At the same time, consumption of fast food and high-sugar products should be limited.
