Children are at risk too
HEART disease is not only a concern in adults, but in children as well. Here are descriptions of some conditions known to be found in young children.
Congenital heart disease (CHD)
Congenital heart disease (CHD) describes a number of different problems that affect the heart.
It is a type of birth defect that can be described more accurately as a defect or abnormality of the heart or blood vessels near the heart.
According to the World Heart Federation, the majority of children born today with CHD will survive and lead a normal or nearnormal life with proper treament.
CHD may be diagnosed during infancy (mild CHD) or soon after birth (severe CHD). Some are diagnosed during prenatal screening.
Examples of CHD are:
– Atrial septal defect (a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart)
– Ventricular septal defect (a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart)
– Coarctation of the aorta (the main artery leaving the heart is constricted)
– Transposition of the great arteries (the two large arteries leaving the right and left sides of the heart are switched)
– Tetralogy of Fallot (a complex condition involving several structural defects)
Acquired heart disease
There are heart diseases that are not present at birth but acquired. The two major types are rheumatic heart disease and Kawasaki disease.
Rheumatic heart disease
Rheumatic heart disease is the most commonly acquired heart disease in many countries, especially in developing countries.
It is a condition where the heart muscle and heart valves are damaged due to rheumatic fever, which is caused by streptococcal bacteria.
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory reaction and begins as a consequence of the streptococcal infection of the throat (strep throat).
Most strep throat infections do not lead to rheumatic fever but when the infection is undiagnosed, untreated or undertreated, rheumatic fever can occur.
According to the World Heart Federation, rheumatic fever and RHD are responsible for about 233,000 deaths annually and affects mostly children and young adults.
Primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever is the effective treatment of acute throat infections caused by group A streotococcus, achieved by up to 10 days of oral antibiotics or a single intramuscular penicilin injection.
Secondary prevention is the prevention of a recurrence of rheumatic fever and involves regular administration of antibiotics over many years. However, for severely damaged heart valves, surgery is often required to repair or replace them.
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is characterised by fever, rash, swollen hands and feet, bloodshot eyes, swollen lymph nodes, a strawberry apprearance to the tongue and an acute inflammation of the blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries.
The cause of the disease is unknown but may be caused by some kind of infectious agent.
The disease occurs in young children. According to the World Heart Federation, 80% or more that are affected are less than five years old and it occurs more in boys than in girls.
Children who are undiagnosed or untreated can contract serious heart damage.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the factors that causes cardiovascular disease and is determined by the dietary habits of individuals. It is a major public health concern and is steadily affecting many low- and middleincome countries, particularly those living in urban settings.
There are several environmental factors associated with childhood obesity. In many economic-driven nations, increased consumption of energy-dense, high-calorie foods and drinks and decreased physical activity contribute to uncontrolled weight gain in children.