Doctors stress importance of early diagnosis for full recovery in children with heart issues

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for full recovery in cases of children born with heart diseases, said P.V. Rama Rao, head of Children’s Services and Director, Andhra Hospitals.

Participating in a heart health awareness programme, organised by The Hindu in association with Andhra Hospitals, on the occasion of World Heart Day 2025, on the hospital premises in Vijayawada on Monday, Dr. Rama Rao said if parents notice any of the symptoms such as bluish skin, lips or tongue, difficulty in gaining weight, frequent infections, fevers, panting while playing, among others, they should bring their child to the hospital.

“With timely diagnosis and treatment, 90% of children with heart defects can live a normal life,” said Dr. Rama Rao. Nutritional deficiencies or infections in mothers, less than two years of gap between two babies, consanguineous marriages are some of the factors that influence heart disease risk in children, the doctor said.

In response to a question from a patient on why heart diseases are becoming more common among youth, another cardiologist K. Tirupati Rao said it is a myth that heart diseases exist only in elderly people. Lifestyle changes, stress and food habits determine one’s heart health.

“There are eight main factors, apart from genetics, that contribute to 90% of heart diseases. Smoking, drinking alcohol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cholesterol, food habits, lack of exercise are some,” Dr. Tirupati Rao said, adding that all of these are under an individual’s control. Those having a risk factor should go for a heart check up once a year or once in six months.

Another cardiologist, B. Raghu Ram, busted the myth about coronavirus vaccinations increasing the risk of heart attacks. Vaccinations have no role to play in worsening one’s heart conditions, he clarified. “The risk of heart attacks, however, increases in those who contracted coronavirus infection. The risk increases further if they do not have a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Raghu Ram said.

The doctors explained to the patients that one should lead a healthy lifestyle to decrease their chances of developing a heart disease. Those who have undergone a stent implantation should see a doctor if they continue to experience discomfort or pain.