The AAP Advocates for Comprehensive Cardiac Screening in Children

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In my role as the program director for a heart health organization named Heart Guardians, I focus on supporting both pediatric and adult heart surgery patients. While discussions around young people and heart issues are often muted, they are very real. Some children are born with congenital heart defects that persist throughout their lives, while others may develop conditions as they grow. We’ve heard about young athletes collapsing during games, yet the prevalence of cardiac arrest in children and teenagers often goes unnoticed. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that all children undergo screening for potential heart issues. Let’s explore the significance of cardiac screenings for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The Need for Proactive Screening

Heart conditions do not discriminate, and our approach to screening should reflect that. Children with a family history of heart disease should start regular screenings during adolescence. Just as HPV vaccinations can begin as early as age 9, discussing and addressing cardiac screenings should not be a taboo topic. Our society tends to react to health events rather than proactively manage them. The recent cardiac event involving Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen, who required heart surgery after collapsing on the field, has reignited the conversation around youth cardiac screenings.

Understanding the Risks

Many heart conditions can be silent, showing no symptoms until it’s too late. While children involved in sports are often seen as physically fit, their hearts can still be at risk, especially when emotions run high during stressful situations. As parents, we must closely monitor our children’s health and advocate for them in medical settings. According to the Texas Heart Institute, while heart disease is not a primary cause of death in the young, it is the leading cause among adults in the U.S. It’s a sobering reality, one that resonates deeply with me as I lost my mother to heart disease, heightening my vigilance regarding my family’s heart health.

Medication and Heart Health

Although the incidence of heart disease in children is relatively low, certain medications for conditions like ADHD can elevate the risk. For instance, my son, a young Black male, is at an increased risk due to the ADHD medication he takes. Research from Denmark indicates that drugs such as Ritalin or Concerta can double the likelihood of heart issues.

The Importance of Early Detection

According to the Texas Heart Institute, less than 15% of children show high cholesterol levels, but fatty plaque buildup can start in childhood and lead to atherosclerosis, a precursor to heart disease, which remains the top cause of death in the U.S. Ignoring the need for screenings for our children is a disservice to their health, especially considering the impact of the Standard American Diet (SAD), which is another reason to prioritize early cardiac screenings.

Recommendations from the AAP

The American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that healthcare providers update their medical forms to include questions that help assess a child’s risk of cardiac arrest. These questions might cover topics such as unexplained fainting spells or a family history of sudden heart issues in relatives under 50. If a child responds affirmatively to any of these questions, further evaluation of their heart health is warranted.

Empowering Parents

Children deserve the same access to heart health screenings as adults. Early detection of potential issues can lead to effective management. Parents should feel empowered to request cardiac screenings for their children if they are not already included in routine check-ups. Your child’s healthcare provider should be a trusted ally in ensuring their safety and well-being. Although the idea of a cardiac screening might seem daunting, the alternative—facing a critical health crisis—is far more frightening.

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Conclusion

In summary, the recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize the necessity of cardiac screenings for children, especially those with risk factors. As parents, we must prioritize our children’s heart health by advocating for these crucial evaluations and staying informed about potential risks.