Why Heart Attacks Surge Among School-Aged Children?
Unhealthy and packaged foods along with reduced physical activity significantly contribute to the incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels in the younger population, leading to heart health issues ().
Why Young Hearts Under Attack?
Riddhi Mewada, a 12-year-old from class 8 in Gujarat's Surat, collapsed in the class and died of a suspected heart attack recently. Last week, Atif Siddiqui, 14, a student of Class 9 in Lucknow, died after he collapsed in his classroom due to a suspected heart attack during a lecture.
Riddhi and Atif are not the lone victims, as, in the recent past, many young and school-going children have lost their precious lives to heart attacks. "This rise in heart attack cases among school-going kids is a concerning trend," Dr. Ashwani Mehta, Cardiologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told IANS, ahead of the World Health Day on September 29.
‘Global call on the rise of heart attacks among school-aged kids should be timely addressed with prompt dietary and lifestyle changes, for a healthy younger generation ahead. #worldheartday #children #healthyheart’
He pointed out several key factors at play. "Dietary habits have shifted towards processed and unhealthy foods, loaded with sugars and fats. This, combined with a decrease in physical activity due to more sedentary lifestyles, contributes significantly."
Junk Food Can Be Tasty, But Puts Your Heart At Risk!
A recent report by Delhi-based nutrition think tank Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), showed that regularly used packaged products such as chips, cookies, sweets, soft beverages, instant noodles, sugary cereals, frozen meals, ice cream, bakery items, and chocolates have salt, sugar and fat at higher-than-recommended levels. This has increased the "incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels in the younger population, and these lifestyle factors lead to further complications for heart health issues in kids", Dr. Mehta said.How to Address the Challenges of Heart Health Risk in Children?
He suggested "a multi-dynamic approach" to help youngsters stay fit and live a healthy life. This includes better nutrition, increased physical activity, and improved stress management techniques. Early education about cholesterol and heart health will also be an important factor to curb this trend, he said.Further, heart attacks are also on the rise among people who are seemingly fit and who maintain a healthy lifestyle. Cholesterol, stress, and sleep are other major reasons, the doctor told IANS. "On an average, 6 out of 10 Indians have high LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). LDL-C is nothing but the bad cholesterol in one's body, and the accumulation of it in the arteries can lead to cardiovascular complications like heart attacks or strokes. In most cases, high LDL-C can silently impact your health without noticeable symptoms," Dr Mehta said.
Recent ICMR studies have reported high cholesterol in India, being present in 25-30 percent of the urban population and 15-20 percent of the rural population. Understanding and actively managing LDL-C levels is necessary in preventing heart attacks and strokes. High LDL-C is a key player in the development of plaque in arteries, it can lead to atherosclerosis, that is, the narrowing of the arteries and increasing the risk of blockages.
Keep Your Cholesterols Under Check
Monitoring and maintaining healthy LDL-C levels can help reduce the buildup of plaque and lower the risk of cardiovascular events. "It's like ensuring the pipes in your house are clear; it reduces the chances of a blockage or a burst. By knowing your target LDL-C levels, taking proactive measures and, if necessary, medication, you can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, ensuring a healthier and safer future for you and your heart," Dr. Mehta said, who has been a principal investigator for 25 major international clinical trials.Unpleasant Surprises from COVID-19 Impacts Young Heart
"One more potential culprit being explored is the after-effects of COVID-19, which has shown to have lingering effects on various organs, including the heart," he said, noting that some individuals, even those who were previously in good health, may be experiencing unexpected cardiac complications as a result.Do Not Go Overboard to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Emerging research suggests that individuals with long COVID are increasingly suffering symptoms associated with heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue. Dr. Mehta also warned against "going overboard with supplements which can potentially lead to excessive intake of certain nutrients, and adversely affect the heart and other organs".Similarly, "strict diets, especially those extreme in nature, can deprive the body of essential nutrients, potentially impacting on heart health. Excessive, or overly intense exercise routines without proper rest and recovery can also strain the cardiovascular system".
Dr. Mehta also recommended managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or engaging in relaxing activities. "Adequate sleep is crucial, as it allows the heart to rest and repair. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and keeping tabs on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar are also vital steps in safeguarding heart health."
Reference:
- Heart Disease Affects Children and Teens, Too - (https:www.choa.org/parent-resources/heart/signs-of-heart-problems-in-children-and-teens)