Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : November 21, 2016 2:51 PM IST
As more and more young people have a heart attack, is it possible that kids as young as 7 - 10 years suffer a heart attack? If yes, what could be the reason for heart attacks in kids?
The query is answered by Dr Tilak Suvarna, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Head Department of Cardiology, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai.
Yes, even kids can suffer a heart attack. However, it is very rare. Unlike adults, where lifestyle factors like unhealthy diet and lack of exercise are the major risk factors for heart attack, heart attack in kids could indicate a congenital abnormality, means it is present from birth. This includes a structural abnormality of the heart or the arteries and in many cases, the first symptom that a child may present with is a heart attack. Read more about congenital heart defects in children. In addition to this, the child may have a genetic predisposition to exceptionally high cholesterol. In such cases, the child, whether overweight or thin, produces high cholesterol, which causes accumulation of cholesterol in the body due to a genetic defect. In the long run, this leads to arterial blockages increasing the risk of heart attack in kids. This condition usually runs in the family. Moreover, a family history of severely high cholesterol acts as the best indicator to know whether your child is at a risk of hypercholesterolemia and heart attack.
However, childhood obesity is quite common, which can be a risk factor for heart attack as the kid grows old (in the adulthood) but not during childhood. Given the fact that kids these days spend a lot of time indoors and snack on junk food, it is important for the parents to take care of these unhealthy eating habits to prevent a heart problem later on. Also, if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or stroke, the risk of your kid having a heart attack at a young age is high. Hence, consult your doctor if your kid is slightly overweight or obese to rule out the risk factors for heart disease. However, if your child experiences chest pain and breathlessness, then it might indicate an underlying heart problem. Read about 7 innovative ways to keep your child s heart healthy
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