Can a 9-year-old girl suffer a heart attack too? Doctors explain
CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal:
The sudden death of a 9-year-old girl at a school in Delhi’s Mayur Vihar has raised concern over heart-related illnesses at a young age. The girl, who was studying in Class 3, suddenly collapsed in the classroom on Wednesday morning. School staff took her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Initial information has cited cardiac arrest as the cause of death, although the actual cause will be confirmed only by the post-mortem report.
Can children also suffer a heart attack?
According to Dr Tarun Kumar, professor in the cardiology department at Medanta Moolchand Hospital, a typical heart attack in children is extremely rare. At this age, the cause of sudden death may be cardiomyopathy or a disturbance in the heartbeat, known as arrhythmia. In cardiomyopathy, the heart muscles become abnormally thick, weak or stiff, affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Apart from this, congenital heart disease, infection or inflammation in the heart muscles can also create a serious condition. In some cases, a sudden irregular heartbeat can lead to cardiac arrest.
Do not ignore these symptoms
According to doctors, dizziness while playing or running, sudden fainting, chest pain and unexplained breathlessness can be warning signs of a possible heart problem in children. If such symptoms appear, a medical examination should be done immediately.
Heart attack and cardiac arrest are different conditions. In a heart attack, blood flow to the heart muscles is blocked, while in cardiac arrest the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. In such an emergency, immediate CPR and medical assistance can be crucial in saving a life.
Police investigation into the Delhi incident is continuing, and the post-mortem report is awaited.
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