Information On Heart Disease In Kids

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Coronary heart disease is a number one killer all over the globe. The age of people getting heart related problems is getting lower and lower and now it has been found that heart disease is affecting many children and adolescents the world over. Though heredity is usually blamed for adolescent heart ailments the recent changes in lifestyles, indulgence in fast and unhealthy foodstuffs and stress and tension at school and college levels have as much a part to play in this life threatening disease.

Young people with a family history of heart diseases and stroke do have a more likely chance of also being affected by it. There are certain risk factors that need to be kept in mind to keep blood pressure and cholesterol well within the normal limits. Many youngsters are indulging in smoking and drinking from a very young age. It may be due to peer pressure or just a way of looking cool, but they do not think of the consequences. Lack of physical activity due to over indulgence in TV viewing and internet also plays an important role in contributing adversely to increasing weight, cholesterol and stress.

The answer lies in not waiting till it is too late. Parents, teachers and guardians of young children should advise them on ways to improve their lifestyle specially if there is a family history of heart diseases. Increase level of activity: Young children or teenagers should be advised to join a gym or go for long brisk walks instead of sitting in front of the television and computer. Breathing in fresh air, increasing levels of activity and eating a balanced diet is what will go a long way in keeping heart ailments at bay. High blood cholesterol levels play a vital part in coronary heart diseases.

Avoid fast foods: Indulging in fast foods, unhealthy diets and not adhering to a fixed timetable while having all meals will upset the balance of your system and lead to a number of ailments besides heart diseases. Following a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet will help in keeping obesity at bay and decrease your chances of having heart diseases at an early age. The problem with this age group is that they tend to hang out with their friends and end up eating all the wrong kids of fast foods such as burgers, pizzas, fries and milkshakes all of which have trans fats and help in piling on the calories and increase levels of cholesterol.

There are different types of heart diseases in children and adolescents. Some are congenital meaning those you were born with. This can be caused due to heredity or viral diseases such as German measles. Other heart diseases develop sometime during childhood due to rheumatic fever, etc. If you notice symptoms such as difficulty of breathing, excessive sweating, low blood pressure or lack of appetite in your child it is best to get them checked out by a good cardiac specialist who would be the best judge of any kind of heart diseases. He would be able to advise you on the best course of action so that timely help is sought to treat any heard diseases or signs of heart diseases in children and adolescents.