Nine out of 10 children in Punjab and Delhi lack a heart-healthy lifestyle, notes Dr. Rajneesh Kapoor, Punjab Rattan Award winner and vice chairman of interventional cardiology at Medanta Hospital. The study’s principal investigator, Dr. Kapoor, and his team examined 3,200 children in the age group 5 to 18 years through a questionnaire-based assessment of parameters that affect cardiovascular health.
The study aims to stop the risk of heart disease at an early age.
The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, high screen time in children and lack of adequate physical activity are noted. The hypothesis was that this may be the reason for the increased incidence of heart disease in adults at a young age. “If we know the magnitude of the problem, we can address it properly and in time. That was an important reason to start the study,” explains Dr. Kapoor. As a cardiologist with more than 20 years in practice, Dr. Kapoor says he feels responsible for doing more to reduce the burden of heart disease. “The study was a step to raise awareness in society by providing a real scenario supported by data, providing input to authorities in health care policymakers and contributing as a group of experts for the control of heart disease,” he adds. the.
Why the scores are alarming
Each participant received a cardiovascular health score based on their responses to BMI (body mass index), physical activity time, bedtime, hours of sleep, dietary habits, and nicotine exposure. The maximum attainable CVH score was set at 100, and subjects were profiled for advice on lifestyle modifications based on their scores for it, Dr. Kapoor told us. “A score of less than 40 was classified as concerning, meaning that children in this group need aggressive lifestyle modifications started as soon as possible. A score between 70 and 100 was healthy, while kids with a score between 40 and 70 clearly need moderate lifestyle movements,” he says.
At this stage, the researchers paid more attention to children in urban areas, as they are more likely to have access to devices such as phones, appear to have a high rate of junk food consumption, and appear to be indoors more. “This is a part of our ongoing study where we have looked at subjects from urban areas, and as we go forward we will include more sections of the society around us,” adds Dr. Kapoor.
Twenty-four percent of the study population had a CVH score of less than 40, 68 percent were in the 40 to 70 score category, and only 8 percent met all the necessary criteria for a healthy cardiovascular system. “Obesity was found to be prevalent in 38 percent of the total study population, inadequate sleep was found in three percent, but inadequate routine bedtimes were seen in 75 percent of the children. The body has an internal 24-hour clock, called the circadian rhythm, which helps regulate physical and mental function. Going to bed early or late is more likely to disrupt the biological clock with adverse consequences for cardiovascular health,” Dr. Kapoor reasons.
calling all parents
Dr. Kapoor urges parents to step in and facilitate lifestyle modifications for their children that can potentially stave off cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood. Children’s lifestyle has a definitive role in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Little or no physical activity, followed by poor dietary habits, were found to be the main factors negatively affecting HCV scores in the study group. “Most people don’t think about risk factors during childhood, but I think it’s really essential that we all start to do so. Because it’s probably much easier to prevent the development of cardiac risk factors than it is to try to get rid of them once they’ve developed.”
How can we make small changes early?
Diet: Start with a healthy diet. A good diet is one in which half the food is made up of vegetables and fruits, a quarter is lean protein, and a quarter is whole grain, with a side of dairy products.
Physical Activity: Another critical step is to keep kids moving. Whether it’s through a formal class or just playing in a park, physical activity should fit into the family schedule. “The activity must be age-appropriate and align with the child’s interests. Mainly, I suggest lifestyle modification for everyone. The heart-healthy lifestyle is one in which two hours of physical activity, a healthy diet, a minimum of seven hours of sleep in adults and up to nine hours in children and specific ones are carried out. Say no to nicotine, manage stress, know your BP and sugar numbers and keep them under control,” suggests Dr. Kapoor.
The study is scheduled for presentation at the Interventional Cardiology Innovations Summit 2022, a two-day annual meeting of the IIC 2022, which begins on August 27.
Source: indianexpress.com