• May 4, 2024

Of the total number of patients served by National Institute of Cardiology, the third part corresponds to pediatric age, which, most of them register congenital heart disease says the doctor Enrique López Mora, member of the Mexican Heart Foundation.

In an interview for GetQoralHealth , the head of the heart failure and transplant clinic of the National Institute of Cardiology, the main cardiovascular problems presented by children are congenital heart diseases, which are defects in the development of the heart with which they are born.

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The specialist assures that the congenital heart disease represent the first cause of consultation in pediatric cardiology.

"Unfortunately, over time and as a result of inadequate eating habits and lack of exercise, there are other problems in children, such as obesity that predisposes the presence of cholesterol plaques at early ages."
 

Stop them in time!

It is important to learn how to detect heart disease to obtain timely treatment. This can be achieved with regular visits to the pediatrician, who identifies any suspicion of heart disease channeled to the pediatric cardiologist.

However, the main warning signs that may occur from birth have very advanced stages:

1. Difficulties in feeding from the womb or with milk formulas

2. Repeated respiratory tract infections

3. Impossibility to gain weight and height adequately and expected

4. Cyanosis (purple on the lips, under the nails)

5. Diagnosis of murmur by a doctor

6. Premature tiredness in the face of daily activities

7. Inflammation or edema of the lower extremities or abdomen

The doctor Enrique López Mora ensures that to prevent the development of heart disease in children, a surveillance must be carried out since pregnancy, that is, that the mother has a good diet and adequate medical supervision, especially in those with relatives with this type of problem.

If children suffer from obesity, it is necessary that they undergo an integral treatment that eliminates junk foods, excessive intake of saturated fats, carbohydrates, drinks with refined sugars (soft drinks) and that have an adequate caloric content for the size and age of the child.

One way to reduce children's blood cholesterol is the consumption of oilseeds (peanuts, nuts, pine nuts) and vegetable oils that contain phytosterols. In addition, good nutrition should be supplemented by the practice of a physical activity.

Within the framework of World Heart Day that is celebrated this September 29, the National Institute of Cardiology will hold an event open to the public this September 26 from 08:00 hours, where you can enjoy talks and the award of a children's painting contest. In addition, on September 27 and 28 different activities will be held in the Tlalpan Forest, as a walk for cardiovascular health.

And you, how do you take care of your children's hearts?

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