Skip to main content

Risk Factors of Heart Disease in Children in Indianapolis


Children, like adults can also be at the receiving end of heart disease. But, most risk factors that affect children can be controlled early in life, lowering the risk of heart disease later in life. You would be surprised to know that heart disease is not a major cause of death among children and teenagers, but it is the largest cause of death among adults in the United States, in fact, someone in America dies every 37 seconds from some form of cardiovascular disease. Some of the risk factors include

1.      High blood pressure
2.      High cholesterol
3.      Smoking
4.      Obesity
5.      Physical inactivity

Remember, some risk factors can be changed, treated, or modified, and some cannot. Even many risk factors can be controlled early in life thus lowering the risk for heart disease later in life. The best way to deal with cardiac emergencies is by undergoing CPR training in an accredited training center such as the AHA certified CPR Indianapolis. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. If you are an advanced healthcare provider looking to learn the child CPR techniques, the most appropriate program to go for is a PALS class Indianapolis. The program fee is $297. 

High Blood Pressure in Children- High blood pressure (hypertension) in children is not a congenital heart disease, but it can have a hereditary link. Most such cases in children are the result of another disease, like heart or kidney disease. This is called secondary hypertension. Blood pressure in children is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer. Doctors look at a child’s age, sex, and height to determine the specific systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Lifestyle changes in children can help manage blood pressure.

Cholesterol- As per studies, fatty plaque buildup begins in childhood and progresses into adulthood. This disease process is called atherosclerosis which leads to heart disease, which is the single biggest cause of death in the United States. High cholesterol runs in families, in some cases, which is called familial hypercholesterolemia. Learn more about ways to prevent or treat high cholesterol. 

Smoking- Nearly 25% of high school students use some kind of tobacco product, and nearly 4,000 kids under age 18 try their first cigarette every day- as per the Centers for Disease Control. More than 90,000 people die each year from heart diseases caused by smoking. Cigarette smoking may cause as many as 75 percent of the cases of heart disease.

Obesity- Obesity is a major risk factor with 1 out of every 3 American adults being obese. As per the latest studies, obesity is linked to more than 110,000 deaths in the United States each year.
For your knowledge, obesity means that you have too much body fat. Obese children may have 5 times more fat cells than children of normal weight. Body Mass Index (BMI) provides a guideline based on weight and height to determine underweight and overweight. BMI can help you determine body fat in your children.

Contact CPR Indianapolis for more information or join a program.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Teaching Indianapolis Kids CPR & First Aid: Tips by Age Group

  In an emergency, every second counts. That's why it's crucial to equip our children with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively – because you never know when they might need to save a life. Teaching kids CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid from an early age can empower them to take action and provide crucial assistance until professional help arrives. While the thought of a child encountering a medical emergency may be daunting, the truth is that accidents and injuries can happen anywhere, at any time. By introducing these lifesaving techniques at an age-appropriate level, we not only improve their chances of responding correctly, but we also instill a sense of confidence, responsibility, and compassion that will serve them well throughout their lives. The benefits of teaching kids CPR and first aid are numerous. It helps them develop problem-solving skills, boosts their self-esteem, and fosters a sense of community responsibility. Moreover, these skill...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Tips By Renowned Cardiologists

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the USA, causes one in three deaths in women and one in four deaths in men. Cardiovascular disease can refer to a number of conditions, many of which are associated with a process called atherosclerosis (a condition that develops when a substance called plaque accumulates in the walls of the arteries, which causes narrowing of arteries making it difficult for blood to flow through. Formation of a blood clot can block the flow of blood, which can lead to a heart attack/myocardial infarction-MI or stroke). Heart disease increases the risk for life-threatening cardiac emergencies like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The good thing is there are ways to help prevent cardiovascular disease: Maintain Healthy Weight - Obesity or being overweight greatly increases your risk for coronary heart disease. Sadly, two-third of American adults is obese or overweight. One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy weight is ...
2 comments
Read more

Keeping Indianapolis Patients Safe: Mastering the New CPR Compression-to-Breath Ratios

  I. Introduction In the critical moments when a life hangs in the balance, proper CPR techniques can make all the difference. For healthcare providers in Indianapolis and beyond, staying up-to-date with the latest CPR guidelines is not just a professional requirement—it's a vital responsibility that can directly impact patient outcomes. Recent years have seen significant changes in CPR protocols, particularly in the recommended compression-to-breath ratios. These updates reflect ongoing research aimed at improving survival rates for cardiac arrest victims. As medical professionals, it's crucial to understand and master these new techniques to provide the best possible care for patients in emergencies. CPR Indianapolis, an American Heart Association training site, stands at the forefront of this essential education. Offering a range of certifications including BLS for Healthcare Providers , ACLS, PALS, and CPR and First Aid courses, CPR Indianapolis ensures that healthcare prof...
Post a Comment
Read more