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Protect your child’s heart health with these helpful tips

Watch for these red flags

The early days of childhood are typically carefree. Your only concerns are striking out on the baseball field, or with your crush in your fifth-grade class. When kids have their minds in other places, they count on their parents to pay attention to what makes them tick, and that can include their heart health. Did you know there is a chance your child may be at risk for heart disease?

“I think most often people associate heart disease with adults, but actually heart disease can occur in children,” said Dr. Peter Sassalos, a cardiovascular surgeon at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. “We typically divide heart disease in children into two categories – congenital heart disease, which is present from birth, and acquired heart disease, which can occur over time as a child grows,” Dr. Sassalos explained.

Heart-related conditions in children can include weakened heart muscle, leaky or narrowed heart valves, holes in the heart with mixing of the red and the blue blood or abnormal connections in the heart with abnormal flow and blockage of heart vessels, Dr. Sassalos said.

The doctor highlighted red flags that parents should watch for, including bluish discoloration of the lips, change in skin color, cool extremities and labored breathing for babies and newborns.

Dr. Sassalos said that other warning signs for infants can be poor weight gain, sweating or difficulty with feeding. For young children and adolescents, chest pains or fainting with exercise can be red flags.

Symptoms can be more subtle, such as fatigue, decreased energy level or not being able to keep up with others while playing. Persistent breathing problems are not only lung problems, but can they can be a sign of a serious heart condition in children, Dr. Sassalos said.

Screening for heart issues occur in the hospital when a child is born. Children are also screened when they see their pediatrician when their vital signs are checked. Additional risk factors for children can include being overweight or obese, having Diabetes or another chronic conditions or having a family history of premature heart disease.

Luckily, there are ways to lower your child’s risk of heart disease. A nutritious diet and physical activity can be a good start, explained Dr. Sassalos.

Watch the video above or click here to learn more information about children’s heart health.