Is your child’s heart at risk? Here’s the life-saving test every parent should know about

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Although many children have healthy hearts, some may have congenital defects or develop problems later. Pediatric heart screening is an important aspect of pediatric health care because early detection can lead to timely intervention and treatment, potentially improving outcomes for children with cardiovascular problems.

Is your child’s heart at risk? Here’s the life-saving test every parent should know about (Photo: Dr Aritra Mukherjee)

Pediatric Heart Screening:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vikas Kohli, Founder, Child Heart Foundation, said, “Some heart conditions in babies do not have obvious symptoms in the early stages, making it important to proactively screen for any potential problems. It happens. “Early testing also reveals signs of cardiac abnormalities such as abnormal heart sounds or murmurs in newborns.”

He elaborated, “Pediatric heart screening is essential for those children who have a family history of heart-related problems, screening may be advised for the child. The evaluation helps identify any familial cardiovascular conditions or risk factors that may predispose the child to cardiovascular problems. Through early detection and intervention, children can get the treatment they need and live healthy lives.

Children are increasingly eating unhealthy foods and becoming less active, leading to increased obesity, diabetes and heart disease among teens and young adults.(Shutterstock)
Children are increasingly eating unhealthy foods and becoming less active, leading to increased obesity, diabetes and heart disease among teens and young adults.(Shutterstock)

Has your child’s heart health been checked?

“Although newborns typically receive basic heart screening during routine examinations, it is important to include heart health assessments such as echocardiogram and ECG,” said Arindam Sen, CEO and director, HeartNet India. At regular pediatric visits as the child grows. With advanced remote screening technologies and a network of top cardiologists, we can help people and even general practitioners detect heart disease early. This approach not only improves detection but also makes treatment more effective and economical over time.

The rise in cardiovascular defects and problems in children is a worrying issue that needs to be addressed to prevent maladies and ensure the overall well-being of our children. In India, like many other countries, there is a lack of comprehensive statistical data on the prevalence of heart defects in children.

Researchers say health care providers, such as obstetricians, who treat and care for mothers in the early stages of having babies with heart defects, can help women understand and reduce their risk. (Getty Images)
Researchers say health care providers, such as obstetricians, who treat and care for mothers in the early stages of having babies with heart defects, can help women understand and reduce their risk. (Getty Images)

Improving access to comprehensive data on childhood heart defects in India is essential to develop effective strategies to prevent and manage these conditions. Advanced surveillance systems can help identify trends, risk factors, and potential interventions to reduce the incidence of heart disease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.

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