The increased risk factors for heart diseases among the younger generation raises a serious question on modern-day lifestyle. According to WHO (World Health Organization), it is now primarily a threat to those under 40. Though heart malady is not a significant cause of death to happen among children, it is not considered a matter of concern at a very early stage and can turn to be a threatening disease with time.
What are the 5 Risk Factors for Heart Diseases?
There are certain factors known as “risk factors” that cause problems related to the heart. However, some of them can be treated or modified while some cannot.
Controlling risk factors at a very tender age is essential because this helps lower the risk of a cardiac problem later in the long run of life. Some risk factors are also hereditary (passed down through family members). Thus, one should be aware of some of the terms that come under major risk factors for stroke and heart disease – High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Smoking, Obesity, and Physical inactivity.
The different forms of risk factors are given in detail below-
High blood pressure or hypertension does not come under congenital heart problems. Still, it can be hereditary, and one should check hypertension at yearly check-ups; if it is not detected at an early age, it will remain untreated as it shows no symptoms and later can take a massive turn with time.
It can also happen in children due to problems like heart or kidney disease (which had once happened).
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is the extra fat (lipid) that gets stored in all body cells. Cell membranes and hormones are made from this cholesterol but if it’s in excess it can be harmful to the body; as it enters and affects the body. When it enters the blood, it is known as a lipoprotein, which are of two types,
- Low-density lipoprotein( LDL)
- High- density lipoprotein(HDL).
Cholesterol can occur among children due to high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking habits due to genetic means. One should go for check-ups frequently.
Smoking
Sometimes teens develop a habit of taking tobacco in the form of cigarettes, which later turns to be toxic for their health. It can cause heart as well as lung issues. About 90,000 people die due to heart diseases caused by smoking.
The Nicotine component present in cigars and cigarettes enters the bloodstream, narrows the blood vessels, and adds strain on the heart. Other elements like carbon monoxide (CO) and tar present in cigarettes are harmful to the heart, causing hindrance in the path of blood flow.
Smoking cigarettes also hardens the arteries, increases heart rate, and causes problems related to heartbeats. There are also chances of various heart problems like myocardial infarction (heart attack), Angina Pectoris, etc.
Obesity
Another significant risk factor for heart disease is obesity. As mentioned earlier, intake of too much fat is not suitable for the body; this can cause obesity. Research has proved that obesity in children is more harmful than in adults. Obese children suffer from heavyweights, which can cause different problems, including cardiovascular diseases. One should frequently keep a check on his or her weight via medical check-ups and follow all the norms given by the doctor.
Physical Inactivity
It is said that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,”- which means one should connect himself more to physical activities to stay strong and active. It is necessary to keep us fit and healthy.
Exercise is the perfect solution for this. One should indulge himself in various activities that will work as an exercise. It can be any sports, aerobics, gymnastics, running, swimming, etc.; this helps us to keep our mind fresh and also maintain our weight and lowers
the tendency of other lifestyle problems like cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
Regular exercise helps strengthen bones and acts as the best remedy for osteoporosis (brittle bones) in adulthood. It also helps in improving cardiac health by lowering blood pressure, increasing the amount of high-density lipoprotein (also known as “good cholesterol”) in the main bloodstream, and reducing stress levels.
Thus, physical inability is considered a major risk factor for heart ailment.
Research Work Going Throughout The World On Risk Factors For Heart Diseases
Though the above 5 risk factors for heart diseases are common throughout the world and are very well known to everyone, people lack to practice of healthy habits to keep their heart-healthy.
Every year, international medical conferences are organized to put forward more acceptable and innovative ways to improve heart health worldwide.
One such conference is the 2021 World Heart and Cardiothoracic Surgery Conference, which will happen virtually and physically in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 19th and 20th of November 2021. Cardiologists, Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, researchers are welcome to attend the World Heart Congress 2021.
Facts And Statistics – Risk Factors For Heart Ailments
The Percentage of heart diseases due to risk factors in children of the United States has been presented below based on recent studies and records.
- High blood pressure – Up to 3 percent of children develop heart disease due to High blood pressure.
- Cholesterol – Up to 15 percent of children suffer from cholesterol, and about 1 percent to 2 percent suffer from Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) (high cholesterol due to hereditary issues).
- Smoking – It can reach up to 75 percent of heart disease cases among youths every year. Mortality rates are more than 90,000 every year.
- Obesity – Around 16 percent and 33 percent of children and teens are sufferers of obesity, respectively. More than 110,000 deaths occur every year.
How Can We Help Children Have Hearts Healthy?
In today’s scientific and rational world, everything has a solution, and the risk factors for heart diseases can also be eliminated.
One should be conscious from the beginning and can follow the simple norms stated as follows-
- Children should maintain healthy body weight. Regularly exercise and follow a properly balanced diet.
- Intake of salt and sugar should be in limits or correct proportion.
- We must warn children about the toxicity of smoking cigars. The nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar present in cigarettes can deteriorate the body’s functioning (especially the heart).
- Children should be given more whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
- Intake fats and oils in a minimum quantity.
- One should consult the doctor and strictly follow all the norms of the doctor.
As we know, “Prevention is better than cure, ” so one should keep in mind that taking proper steps to realize the heart disease symptoms is the key to preventing the risk factors from happening early.
One should set up a perfect example in society so that the younger generation may not fall into the traps of flawed, dangerous customs that will put their lives in danger in the long run.
Instead, they should be encouraged to indulge in physical activities like sports, swimming, and yoga to boost the heart’s health and lead a healthy life.