Dr. Ashwini Mehta clarified that recent cases of young children dying suddenly are not typical heart attacks.
Dr. Mehta explained that these cases are not new. Sudden cardiac deaths have already been documented in children as young as 7 years old or even younger.
Recent tragic incidents have raised alarming concerns about the health of young children in schools. A 7-year-old girl from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh collapsed from a heart attack at school and died before reaching the hospital. In another incident in March, an 8-year-old girl in Firozabad suffered a similar fate, and in December 2023, a 14-year-old boy at a private school in Jaipur suffered a fatal cardiac arrest during prayers. In August 2024, a 9-year-old boy in Aliganj, Lucknow, also died suddenly of a heart attack.
These harrowing incidents have sparked widespread concern and raised questions about whether schools could be contributing to this worrying trend. Parents are particularly concerned, recalling their own childhoods when such occurrences were rare.
To address these fears, Dr Ashwini Mehta, a member of the Cardiological Society of India and a cardiologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, spoke about the incidents. Dr Mehta provided insights into these alarming cases and discussed the possible factors behind this worrying trend.
This is not a heart attack, but…
Dr. Ashwini Mehta clarified that the recent cases of young children dying suddenly are not typical heart attacks, but cases of sudden cardiac deaths. Unlike conventional heart attacks, which develop over time and have more recognizable symptoms, sudden cardiac death occurs quickly and often results in death within an hour of its onset.
Dr. Mehta explained that these cases are not something new. Sudden cardiac deaths have already been documented in children as young as 7 years old or even younger. These tragic events are often caused by underlying heart conditions that are not readily apparent and can go unnoticed by parents and doctors. The lack of clear symptoms and the possible influence of family history or rare diseases contribute to these sudden and unexpected deaths.
Two key diseases associated with cardiac arrest in children
Two specific underlying heart conditions are primarily responsible for sudden cardiac arrest in children. The first is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscles become thickened, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. The second is long QT syndrome, a rare disorder that affects the heart's electrical system and causes irregular heart rhythms.
Are the symptoms noticeable beforehand?
Heart conditions that cause sudden cardiac arrest in children often have few noticeable symptoms. However, signs such as unexplained fainting, shortness of breath, or detection of an abnormal heart condition during treatment for other conditions may occur. If such symptoms are observed, a complete cardiac evaluation of the child is essential.
Is there a connection with schools?
Dr. Mehta clarified that sudden cardiac arrest in children is not related to their school environment. The occurrence of these events in schools is coincidental, as children spend a significant amount of time there. The stress of school life, including academic pressures or extracurricular activities, are not contributing factors to these cardiac incidents.
In many countries, especially abroad, children who play sports undergo comprehensive health screenings, including echocardiograms and electrocardiograms, to identify any underlying heart problems. However, similar routine screenings are not performed for all children in other settings, which can lead to undetected health problems in those who do not undergo regular screening.
How to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in children
Dr. Mehta cautioned that while the incidence of sudden cardiac death in children is relatively rare (occurring in 2 to 4 out of every 100,000 children), there are several preventative measures that can help mitigate the risk:
- Controlling weight: Make sure your child maintains a healthy weight, as obesity can contribute to a variety of health problems, including heart problems.
- Monitor for symptoms: If your child has any unusual symptoms, such as fainting or difficulty breathing, seek medical evaluation immediately.
- Cardiac checks: If your child has suddenly fainted, assess his or her heart activity to rule out any underlying heart conditions.
- Healthy diet: Provide a nutritious diet and avoid junk food to support overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease. By taking these steps, you can help protect your child's heart health and potentially prevent sudden cardiac events.
