9-year-old girl dies of suspected heart attack; here are 5 things to know about heart ailments in kids
In a shocking incident, a 9-year-old girl reportedly died of a heart attack in Rajasthan. Prachi Kumawat, a student of class 4, was preparing to eat lunch when she collapsed, never to wake up again. When most people think of heart attacks, they picture older adults, not children. However, heart problems in kids, while rare, can occur, and are serious. Here are the five facts about heart ailment in kids you might not know... (thumb pic: Freepik)
Heart attacks in kids are rare, but possible
While heart attack in kids is rare, it can happen. When adults experience heart attacks, their main trigger stems from blocked arteries which develop through years of plaque formation. The occurrence of heart attacks in children however, remains extremely uncommon, as their condition develops from unique causes including congenital conditions, infections and injuries, and specific rare diseases. For example:
Congenital heart disease: Children who have heart defects at birth experience problems with blood circulation.
Acquired diseases: Certain diseases and infections cause harm to both heart tissues and blood vessel structures.
Viral infections trigger inflammation and weakness of the heart muscle which doctors call myocarditis.
A severe chest trauma through sports-related accidents often leads to dangerous heart conditions.
The combination of rare blood disorders and inherited conditions, sometimes causes heart-blocking blood flow.
Signs and symptoms are not always obvious
Children experience different warning signs of heart attacks than adults, because their ability to express their condition remains limited. A child may experience warning signs of serious heart problems through the following symptoms:
Chest pain typically appears during physical activity, yet most cases of chest pain do not stem from heart conditions in kids.
Fainting (syncope), especially while playing or being active
Palpitations, racing or irregular heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Extreme fatigue or weakness
The skin of lips, fingers, and toes may turn pale, blue or grayish.
Sweating without clear reason
In infants and younger kids, you might notice
Not eating well
Irritability
Poor weight gain
The patient presents diarrhea or vomiting but there is no apparent cause.
The major causes are different
The main reasons behind heart attacks, together with critical heart conditions in children, differ from those found in adults. These include:
Congenital (from birth) heart defects: Structural problems in the heart or blood vessels that affect normal blood flow.
Kawasaki disease: An illness that causes blood vessel inflammation, and can damage the arteries of the heart.
The health of the heart muscle is affected by viral infections that lead to myocarditis resulting in muscle weakness and swelling.
The heart's electrical system shows abnormal rhythms in some children from birth, occasionally resulting in fatal cardiac arrest.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Some children are born with electrical problems in the heart, that can trigger dangerous rhythms and, rarely, cardiac arrest.
Rare, genetic or acquired conditions: Blood clotting disorders, trauma (such as a sudden blow to the chest), and rare diseases can also be culprits.
Early detection and quick action can save lives
Early detection of symptoms, together with prompt medical intervention, is extremely important to save a child in case of a heart attack. The first step when a child becomes unresponsive or stops breathing or loses consciousness, should include immediate emergency service contact. These include:
Call emergency services immediately.
Start CPR (chest compressions) if the child is not breathing, or does not have a pulse. Fast CPR can double or triple chances of survival.
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED), should be used whenever possible at locations such as schools and sports facilities.
Seek medical care right away when a child shows warning signs, but remains awake and alert. Medical professionals should never dismiss symptoms, especially when a child has underlying heart conditions, or heart disease runs in their family.
Prevention and risk reduction are possible
Even with birth defects and genetic conditions, some preventive measures can prevent heart attacks. The following actions help reduce heart-related risks, while protecting children's heart health:
Regular health check-ups: Children who participate in sports should visit their doctor once a year, to check for any underlying conditions.
Exercising and eating well help reduce the risk of acquired heart diseases, and obesity in kids.
Know your family’s heart disease risk factors including relatives who experienced heart disease, or sudden death without cause.
Children who need heart condition management, should follow their doctor's instructions regarding both medications and medical care.
Children with pre-existing heart conditions should follow doctor-recommended activity restrictions, and sports safety equipment guidelines.
Sources
Medical News Today
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Watch out for these signs
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