The Importance of Pediatric Cardiac Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives
Pediatric cardiac health is a critical component of overall child wellness, yet not all heart conditions in children are immediately apparent. While many children are born with healthy hearts, some may have congenital heart defects or develop heart conditions later in life. The need for pediatric cardiac screening is paramount as early detection can lead to timely treatment and greatly improve outcomes for children with heart-related issues.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Vikas Kohli, Founder of the Child Heart Foundation, emphasized the importance of early screening for heart conditions in children. “Some heart conditions in infants may not present obvious symptoms in the early stages, making it essential to proactively screen for any potential issues. Early screening also reveals signs of heart abnormalities such as abnormal heart sounds or murmurs in newborns,” he explained.
Dr. Kohli further elaborated on the importance of screening in cases where there is a family history of heart disease. “Pediatric cardiac screening is essential for children who have a family history of cardiac conditions. Screening helps in identifying any familial cardiac conditions or risk factors that may predispose the child to heart issues. Through early detection and intervention, children can get the required treatment and lead a healthy life,” he added.
Arindam Sen, CEO and Director at Heartnet India, echoed the need for early identification, stating that regular pediatric visits should include more comprehensive heart health assessments such as Echocardiograms and ECGs. “While newborns typically receive basic cardiac checks during routine exams, it’s crucial to include heart health assessments in regular pediatric visits as the child grows. With advanced remote screening technologies and a network of top cardiologists, we can support general practitioners in detecting heart disease early. This approach not only improves detection but also makes treatment more effective and affordable over time,” Sen explained.
The rise in pediatric heart defects is a growing concern worldwide, including in India, where comprehensive data on the prevalence of children’s heart defects remains limited. Without robust statistical data, it is difficult to identify trends and risk factors for congenital and acquired heart conditions in children. Improving access to accurate data on children’s heart health is critical for developing strategies to prevent and manage these conditions. Enhanced surveillance systems can help health professionals and policymakers identify trends, risk factors, and potential interventions to reduce the incidence of heart defects in children.
Early detection through pediatric cardiac screening plays a crucial role in preventing serious complications, ensuring that children with heart conditions can receive the care they need. Expanding access to screenings and improving data collection on pediatric heart health in India and globally are essential steps in safeguarding the heart health of future generations. Although many children have healthy hearts, some may have congenital defects or develop conditions later. Pediatric cardiac screening is an important aspect of pediatric healthcare as early detection can lead to timely intervention and treatment, potentially improving outcomes for children with cardiac issues.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vikas Kohli, Founder of Child Heart Foundation, explained, “Some heart conditions in infants may not present obvious symptoms in the early stages, making it essential to proactively screen for any potential issues. Early screening also reveals signs of heart abnormalities such as abnormal heart sounds or murmurs in newborns.”
He elaborated, “Pediatric cardiac screening is essential for children who have a family history of cardiac conditions, screening may be advised for the child. The assessment helps in identifying any familial cardiac conditions or risk factors that may predispose the child to heart issues. Through early detection and intervention, children can get the required treatment and lead a healthy life.”Echoing that early identification and treatment can greatly enhance outcomes and quality of life, Arindam Sen, CEO and Director at Heartnet India, shared, “While newborns typically receive basic cardiac checks during routine exams, it’s crucial to include heart health assessments like Echocardiograms and ECGs in regular pediatric visits as the child grows. With advanced remote screening technologies and a network of top cardiologists, we can support the people and even general practitioners in detecting heart disease early.
This approach not only improves detection but also makes treatment more effective and affordable over time.”
The rise of heart defects and problems among children is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed in order to prevent deformities and ensure the overall well-being of our children. In India, as in many other countries, there is a lack of comprehensive statistical data on the prevalence of children’s heart defects.
Improving access to comprehensive data on children’s heart defects in India is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent and manage these conditions. Enhanced surveillance systems can help identify trends, risk factors and potential interventions to reduce the incidence of heart defects.