Contents:
- What cardiovascular diseases occur in children
- Which habits affect blood vessels at a young age and create health risks?
- Healthy nutrition to prevent cardiovascular diseases in children
- What to pay attention to and what to avoid in rational nutrition for children’s health?
- Physical development for children’s health
- What physical activity should children have?
- Which symptoms may indicate vascular problems in children
- Which regular examinations can be done to prevent and treat cardiovascular problems in children
- Frequently asked questions
Poor environment, low-quality nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle, and stress affect children’s health and become the cause of cardiovascular diseases, which today are no longer age-bound. Over the last five years, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Ukraine has increased almost 3 times. How to prevent these diseases in a child and preserve the health of the heart and blood vessels from the first years of life — in the material.
What cardiovascular diseases occur in children
Arrhythmia, vegetative-vascular dystonia syndrome, inflammatory heart diseases, defects and developmental anomalies of the heart and blood vessels are common pediatric cardiovascular diseases. A set of general recommendations from the doctors of the «Oxford Medical» clinic will help prevent the formation of these diseases.
Which habits affect blood vessels at a young age and create health risks?
-
Nutrition. Unhealthy eating with excessive consumption of fast food and sweets affects the vessels and their future health.
-
Physical activity. Insufficient physical activity increases the risk of gaining excess weight.
-
Bad habits. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are serious risks to the health of the heart and blood vessels.
-
Stress. Lack of relaxation skills can provoke heart problems in the future.
Healthy nutrition to prevent cardiovascular diseases in children
The highest risks of developing obesity in children are in the first year of life. Exclusive breastfeeding up to 5–6 months is the best care for a newborn’s heart. The next stages are 5–6 years and the period of puberty.
What to pay attention to and what to avoid in rational nutrition for children’s health?
-
Less saturated fats.
-
More fruits and vegetables.
-
Omega-3 fats: fish, nuts, seeds.
-
Adequate hydration.
-
Less salt and sugar.
Physical development for children’s health
Lack of sports and a sedentary lifestyle are major risks for children’s heart health.
What physical activity should children have?
Moderate activity, at least 30 minutes daily: walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or games. Even an unhurried climb up the stairs trains the heart.
Which symptoms may indicate vascular problems in children
-
Shortness of breath without an obvious cause;
-
Leg pain while walking;
-
Change in skin color;
-
Weakness or numbness of the limbs;
-
Arrhythmia or irregular pulse;
-
Edema or spider veins on the legs.
High-quality vascular surgery for children is critically important when cardiovascular problems arise. A consultation with a vascular surgeon at the «Oxford Medical» clinic will help detect vascular and heart pathologies in time.
Which regular examinations can be done to prevent and treat cardiovascular problems in children
-
Blood pressure measurement;
-
ECG;
-
Echocardiography;
-
Cholesterol and glucose tests;
-
Vascular ultrasound.
At «Oxford Medical» you can take tests and receive a consultation from an experienced specialist.
Frequently asked questions
1. How can teenagers maintain vascular health without drastic measures?
Fruits, vegetables, water, daily physical activity, and sufficient sleep are the foundation of healthy blood vessels.
2. How to determine that a teenager needs a consultation with a vascular surgeon?
Leg pain, numbness, change in skin color, or spider veins are reasons to see a doctor.
3. Which lifestyle changes help keep blood vessels healthy?
Regular exercise, giving up bad habits, rest, and a balanced diet are the key to heart and vascular health.
