The AAP Urges Cardiac Screenings for All Children

In my role as the director of programs at Heart Health Initiative, I focus on supporting both pediatric and adult heart surgery patients. Though often overlooked, heart conditions in children are a significant concern. Some kids are born with congenital heart defects, while others may develop them over time. While we hear about young athletes collapsing on the field, we seldom discuss the children and teenagers who face cardiac arrest. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that all children undergo screenings for potential heart issues. Let’s explore the importance of cardiac screenings for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The Importance of Cardiac Screenings

Heart conditions don’t discriminate based on age or ethnicity, and anyone with a family history of heart issues should be screened periodically starting in adolescence. Just as we begin HPV screenings and vaccinations at age 9, discussions around cardiac screenings should not be avoided. The recent collapse of Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen during a match and his subsequent heart surgery have reignited the conversation around youth cardiac screenings.

Many heart issues are asymptomatic, making sudden death a possibility, particularly among young individuals. Children involved in sports may be more active, but their heart rates can spike for various reasons, including emotional responses. As parents, it’s crucial to monitor our children’s health and advocate for them during medical appointments. According to the Texas Heart Institute, while heart disease is not a leading cause of death in children, it is the leading cause of mortality among adults in the U.S., with someone dying from cardiovascular disease every 37 seconds. Personal experiences, such as losing my own mother to heart disease, heighten my awareness and concern for my family’s heart health.

Risks and Recommendations

Although the incidence of heart disease in children is low, certain medications can increase their risk. For instance, my son, a young Black male, has a heightened risk due to ADHD medications like Ritalin or Concerta, which can double the likelihood of heart issues, according to a study from Denmark. Research from the Texas Heart Institute indicates that while less than 15% of children have high cholesterol, the process of atherosclerosis can begin in childhood and lead to heart disease, which is the top cause of death in the U.S. Not screening our children for cardiac issues is a disservice to their health, especially considering the impact of poor dietary habits.

The AAP’s recommendations include updating medical forms to include questions that assess a child’s risk for cardiac arrest. These questions may involve whether a child has fainted unexpectedly, if a family member under 50 has died from sudden heart problems, or if there are hereditary heart conditions in the family. If a child answers affirmatively to any of these questions, healthcare providers should take further steps to evaluate their cardiac health.

Advocating for Your Child’s Health

Children are just as susceptible to heart issues as adults, and they deserve access to the same screenings. Early detection can lead to better outcomes. If your child’s doctor is not conducting heart screenings, it’s essential to advocate for this vital health check. Your doctor is part of your support system, dedicated to ensuring your child’s safety and well-being. Although the idea of cardiac screening may seem daunting, the alternative—standing by a hospital bed after heart surgery or facing the loss of a child—is far scarier.

Additional Resources

For more insights on related topics, check out this post on home insemination kits. For guidance through your fertility journey, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, if you’re looking for information on pregnancy, the March of Dimes is an excellent resource.

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Summary

The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the necessity of cardiac screenings for all children to detect potential heart issues early. Recognizing that heart conditions can affect anyone, the article advocates for proactive health measures, especially for children with family histories of heart disease or those on certain medications. Parents must engage with healthcare providers to ensure their children receive appropriate screenings, ultimately fostering a culture of heart health awareness.