Also Read
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Medically Verified By: Dr R Kishore Kumar, pediatrician and neonatologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru
All newborns should be screened for complex congenital cyanotic heart diseases, a non-invasive test that takes only a few minutes. (Photo: Freepik)
It is said that children often inherit the best and worst from their parents. It is especially true for health. This is why doctors insist that both the father and the mother lead healthy lifestyles before and during the conception period -- and throughout pregnancy -- so that the baby that is born is of good health. When it comes to heart health, doctors say prevention is better than cure. Cardiovascular issues are silent killers that have been claiming lives across the world, owing to the fact that people lead stressful and unhealthy lives these days. Children, therefore, must be protected at all costs.
According to Dr R Kishore Kumar, pediatrician and neonatologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, the seeds of cardiovascular health are sown in the womb or even before conception, and the care provided during pregnancy and early childhood can have lasting effects on a person's heart health. "Early intervention is crucial to prevent heart disease later in life," he says.
Dr Kumar says the health of the parents before conception is crucial for the child's heart. "Lifestyle choices and pre-existing conditions can significantly cause a child to develop heart diseases. For instance, conditions like stress, hypertension, and diabetes in parents can increase the likelihood of heart problems in the newborn. Smoking, particularly in fathers, has also been associated with congenital heart defects. A family history of heart disease can put children at a higher risk," he says.
The pediatrician and neonatologist explains that during pregnancy, a mother's lifestyle and health can play a pivotal role in determining the child's health. "Factors like hypertension and gestational diabetes not only affect the pregnancy, but also predispose the child to heart problems. They can cause preterm birth, which is a risk factor for heart disease."
According to the doctor, once a child is born, providing a healthy start is important for heart health. "Nutrition plays a key role. Infants who are given a diet that is rich in carbohydrates may develop an increased body mass index (BMI), which is associated with a higher risk of heart diseases later in life. Parents should work closely with pediatricians to ensure that their children receive a balanced diet that supports healthy growth and development."
The doctor says all newborns should be screened for complex congenital cyanotic heart diseases (CCCHD), a non-invasive test that takes only a few minutes. It can provide vital information about whether a baby has a heart condition. The earlier it is detected, the better the prognosis will be.
"Early detection allows for timely interventions. Without early screening, these conditions may go undiagnosed until they cause significant health issues later in life. By making congenital heart screening a standard practice at birth, we can ensure that children with heart conditions receive the care they need from the very beginning," Dr Kumar states.
In the end, the doctor says that since parents must lead by example. "By adopting and maintaining healthy habits, they can instil the importance of heart health in their children from a young age. This includes encouraging physical activity, providing a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful behaviours like smoking."