Sudden cardiac arrest in children is rare and almost always at risk for congenital heart disease, Kawasaki disease, or genetic problems. Sudden loss of consciousness, fatigue, chest discomfort, irregular breathing, or fainting during physical activity may be telltale signs of cardiac arrest and should be considered a medical emergency. Young children may experience heart palpitations and strange chest sensations. You may have difficulty breathing, feel tired, or have cold hands and feet. To maintain heart health, children should lead an active lifestyle, such as going outside to play, exercise, and eating a healthy diet with proper nutrients. Parents should always have their child checked for heart problems. (Also read: Heart attacks in teens: healthy habits for adolescents to prevent heart disease)
Is it possible for a healthy child to have sudden cardiac arrest?
“Cardiac arrest, or sudden stoppage of the heartbeat, is rare in children. Sudden cardiac arrest in healthy children is very dangerous.The most common cause is an arrhythmia, a heart rhythm problem.The heart normally beats in a synchronous rhythm while pumping blood. Abnormal rhythms can cause the heart to beat very quickly or very slowly, both of which reduce its effective pumping of blood to the body, These abnormal rhythms are known as tachyarrhythmias, of which ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are life-threatening,” said Supratim Sen, Ph.D., senior consultant pediatric cardiologist at SRCC Children’s Hospital. I’m here.
“Children with genetic rhythm disorders known as channelopathies, such as long QT syndrome, CPVT, and Brugada syndrome, are at risk for ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, and are therefore at risk for sudden death. At the other end of the spectrum. “There are children who are at risk of congenital or ventricular fibrillation. With acquired complete heart block, they are at risk of an extremely slow heart rate and may progress to cardiac arrest.” Dr. Sen added.
Warning signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest in children
“Sudden loss of consciousness, especially if it recurs or is associated with exertion, may be the first warning sign that your child is having an arrhythmia. Palpitations make your heartbeat feel unusually uncomfortable. “Children over the age of four or five may complain of heart palpitations and strange sensations in the chest. Younger children with abnormal rhythms may experience difficulty breathing, They may show symptoms such as lethargy and cold extremities,” Dr. Sen says.
“Parents should be alert for symptoms such as sudden loss of consciousness, extreme fatigue, chest discomfort, rapid or irregular breathing, and fainting during physical activity. Requires timely awareness and immediate action, such as calling services or starting CPR” can have a significant impact on outcomes. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity and a balanced diet are key to preventing cardiac arrest in children. Regular check-ups in children can help identify underlying heart disease early. Parents and teachers are educated in basic CPR “Provide bystander/first responder skills and create a safer environment. An approach is needed that promotes both awareness and preparedness to protect cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Prakash R., Pediatric Cardiology Consultant, NH Health City. Bangalore.
“These symptoms may be the first warning signs of life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities and require urgent and detailed evaluation by a podiatric cardiologist. It is always good to identify at-risk patients so that preventative measures can be taken.” Treatment with drugs, pacemakers and defibrillators is possible. If cardiac arrest occurs, the patient can only be saved if resuscitation measures are started immediately. If this occurs in a hospital setting, timely CPR and cardioversion may successfully resuscitate the patient. However, urgent diagnosis and treatment are essential to save the patient in such a situation,” Dr. Sen added.