Can Heart Disease Begin in Childhood? Know the Signs & Prevention Tips

Dr.Gaurav Kumar , 3 mins read

Many of the times when we think about heart related problems, we usually think of older people having problems like heart attacks or high blood pressure. But did you know that heart disease can actually begin in childhood? It may not show signs in the beginning, but the process can start early in life.
The most common type of heart problem is coronary artery disease. This occus when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked. Over a course of time, this can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or even heart failure.
The disease of the heart doesn’t start suddenly. It usually develops slowly over many years. In some cases, the early signs of heart disease start during childhood. Many studies have shown that fatty deposits can start building up in the arteries of children as young as 10 years old. These deposits make it harder for blood to flow properly, which can lead to heart problems later in life.

Causes:

There are many reasons why heart disease can begin in childhood:

• Unhealthy Diet: In the present day, children often eat a lot of junk food like chips, sweets, and fast food. These foods are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats and thus, can raise cholesterol and blood pressure, leading to heart problems.
• Lack of Exercise: Many children spend a lot of time on phones, tablets, or watching TV instead of playing outside or doing some active work. A lack of physical activity can lead to obesity and other health issues.
• Obesity: Being overweight puts extra pressure on the heart. It also increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, both major risk factors for heart disease.
• Smoking or Secondhand Smoke: Children who smoke or live in homes where others smoke are at higher risk.
• Family History: If parents or grandparents of children have heart disease, they may be more likely to develop it too. But even with a family history, healthy habits can reduce the risk.

Early Warning Signs in Children:

• Shortness of breath
• Bluish skin mainly around lips and nails
• Unusual fatigue
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Excessive sweating

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to consult a doctor.

How Can We Prevent It?

Parents can adopt the following measures to protect their children’s hearts:

• Healthy Eating Habits: We should incorporate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary drinks and limit fast food.
• Regular Physical Activity: Children should get at least one hour of physical activity every day. It can be playing outside, dancing, riding a bike, or playing sports.
• Limit Screen Time: They should not spend much time on mobile and TV. Parents should try to set limits and encourage fun activities without screens.
• No Smoking: We should teach our children about the dangers of smoking and make our home smoke-free.
• Regular Check-ups: Routine health check-ups can catch early signs of problems. Doctors can monitor blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Heart disease can start silently in childhood, but it doesn't have to lead to serious problems later in life. By incorporating healthy habits, parents can give their children a strong, healthy heart for life. If you have found any of these symptoms in your child, do not wait but consult our expert doctors at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka for the best treatment and care.