Why Are Children as Young as 7 Suffering Fatal Heart Attacks? Is School to Blame? Delhi Doctor Weighs In

Recent tragic incidents have raised alarming concerns about the health of young children in schools. A 7-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha collapsed from a heart attack at school and died before reaching the hospital. In another incident in March, an 8-year-old in Firozabad suffered a similar fate, and in December 2023, a 14-year-old in a private Jaipur school experienced a fatal cardiac arrest during prayer. In August 2024, a 9-year-old in Aliganj, Lucknow, also died suddenly of a heart attack.

These heart-wrenching incidents prompted widespread concern and questions about whether schools might be contributing to this disturbing trend. Parents are particularly troubled, reflecting on their own childhoods where such occurrences were rare.

To address these fears, Dr Ashwini Mehta, a member of the Cardiological Society of India and a cardiologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi spoke about the incidents. Dr Mehta offered insights into these alarming cases and discussed potential factors behind this concerning trend.

This Is Not a Heart Attack, but…

Dr Ashwini Mehta clarified that the recent cases of young children dying suddenly are not typical heart attacks. Instead, these incidents are instances of sudden cardiac deaths. Unlike conventional heart attacks, which develop over time and have more recognisable symptoms, sudden cardiac death occurs rapidly, often resulting in death within an hour of onset.

Dr Mehta explained that such cases are not unprecedented. Sudden cardiac deaths in children, whether as young as 7 or even younger, have been documented before. These tragic events are often caused by underlying heart conditions that are not readily apparent and may go unnoticed by parents and doctors. The lack of clear symptoms and the potential influence of family history or rare diseases contribute to these sudden and unexpected fatalities.

Two Key Diseases Linked to Cardiac Arrest in Children

Two specific underlying heart diseases are primarily responsible for sudden cardiac arrest in children. The first is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscles thicken, impairing the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. The second is Long QT syndrome, a rare disorder affecting the electrical system of the heart, leading to irregular heart rhythms.

Are Symptoms Noticeable Beforehand?

The heart conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest in children often present few noticeable symptoms. However, there may be signs such as unexplained fainting, difficulty breathing, or detection of an abnormal heart condition during the treatment of other illnesses. If such symptoms are observed, it is crucial to have a thorough cardiac evaluation for the child.

Is There a Connection to Schools?

Dr Mehta clarified that sudden cardiac arrest in children is not linked to their school environment. The occurrence of these events in schools is coincidental, as children spend a significant amount of time there. The stresses of school life, including academic pressures or extracurricular activities, are not contributing factors to these cardiac incidents.

In many countries, especially abroad, children involved in sports undergo comprehensive health screenings, including echocardiograms and ECGs, to identify any underlying heart conditions. However, similar routine screenings are not commonly performed for all children in other contexts, which can lead to undetected health issues in those not regularly tested.

How to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children

Dr Mehta advised that while the incidence of sudden cardiac death in children is relatively rare – occurring in 2 to 4 out of every 1 lakh children – there are several preventive measures that can help mitigate the risk:

1. Manage Weight: Ensure that your child maintains a healthy weight, as obesity can contribute to various health issues, including heart problems.
2. Monitor Symptoms: If your child exhibits any unusual symptoms, such as fainting or difficulty breathing, seek a medical evaluation promptly.
3. Cardiac Checkups: If your child has experienced sudden fainting, have their cardiac activity assessed to rule out any underlying heart conditions.
4. Healthy Diet: Provide a nutritious diet and avoid junk food to support overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease.By taking these steps, you can help safeguard your child’s heart health and potentially prevent sudden cardiac events.