Screen kids for early detection: Experts
Doctors say that there has been an increase in the fatalities among children and youngsters in the recent past.
Hyderabad: Nearly ten out of every 1,000 babies are born with heart defects such as holes in their hearts which require treatment at an early stage. Cardiologists stress on the importance of early detection to ensure that such conditions do not deteriorate with age.
Doctors say that there has been an increase in the fatalities among children and youngsters in the recent past. Heart attacks can no longer definitively be linked to the 30-plus age bracket.
Cardiologist Dr Sunil Kapoor says, “Some cases may escape detection at the time of birth, so children should be checked during school years. Schools should conduct regular screenings to ensure that proper treatment begins at a young age. With regular treatment, we can control the occurrence of disabilities.”
Cardiologists say that over 90 per cent of heart defects are either curable or can be controlled with treatment from an early age. Treatment beyond a certain age is ineffective.
Dr Sridhar Kasturi, a cardiologist, says, “Most congenital heart defects can be corrected through surgery and interventional procedures. After that, patients can function normally. Patients often do not show symptoms at an early stage, and a delay in treatment can cause an increase in the flow of blood to the lungs, which can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension, making them unfit for surgery.”
He says that corrective surgery cannot be performed once patients reach their teenage years. If they haven’t been treated, such children are asked not to participate in vigorous sporting activities.