Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

9-Year-Old Suffers Cardiac Arrest: Could A Hidden Heart Condition Be To Blame?

The sudden collapse and death of a nine-year-old girl inside her classroom in Delhi has raised concerns about <span>cardiac</span> emergencies in children. The Class 3 student had reportedly returned to the classroom after a games period and collapsed shortly afterwards.

CCTV footage showed her walking into the classroom, placing both hands around her waist and then falling to the floor. A teacher rushed to help her and attempted to revive her before seeking further assistance. School staff took the child to a nearby hospital, which reportedly did not admit her. She was subsequently taken to another hospital in Nirman Vihar, where doctors declared her dead.

Speaking to <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>, Dr Neeraj Awasthy, Senior Director, Pediatric Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Okhla, said heart attacks in children are extremely rare and differ from those commonly seen in adults.

"In adults, a <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/heart-attack">heart attack</a></span> is usually caused by a blockage in the arteries supplying the heart. In children, sudden <span>cardiac arrest</span> is more often associated with an underlying heart condition, such as a structural abnormality, an inherited problem affecting the <span>heart rhythm</span> or inflammation of the heart muscle," he said.

Dr Awasthy also explained the possible causes and warning signs of cardiac events in children.

<h2>What Causes Sudden Cardiac Events In Children?</h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/energy-drinks-linked-to-more-heart-problems-in-young-adults-study-flags-cardiac-risks-article-156454013" data-type="tilCustomLink">Energy Drinks Linked To More Heart Problems In Young Adults: Study Flags Cardiac Risks</a>

According to Dr Awasthy, sudden <span>cardiac arrest in children</span> is more commonly associated with underlying heart conditions, including:

<ul><li>Structural abnormalities of the heart.</li><li>Inherited conditions affecting the heart rhythm.</li><li>Inflammation of the heart muscle.</li></ul>

<h2>Does Genetics Contribute To <span rel="noindex">Sudden Cardiac Death</span>?</h2>

In a post on X, Vinod Scaria, a scientist, said nearly one in five sudden cardiac deaths in young people may have a definite genetic explanation.

Three groups of inherited conditions account for much of this genetic risk:

<ul><li>Cardiac channelopathies.</li><li>Cardiomyopathies.</li><li>Familial hypercholesterolaemia.</li></ul>

Scaria cited an analysis of Indian genomes that found variants associated with channelopathies in approximately 1% of individuals, cardiomyopathies in more than 1.5% and familial hypercholesterolaemia in about one in 150 individuals.

<strong>Read More</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/spanish-striker-jesus-de-miguel-dies-after-on-field-collision-can-a-blow-to-the-chest-trigger-cardiac-arrest-article-156459393" data-type="tilCustomLink">Spanish Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies After On-Field Collision: Can A Blow To The Chest Trigger Cardiac Arrest?</a>

What Warning Signs Should Parents Watch For?

Dr Awasthy told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>the following symptoms should not be ignored:

<ul><li>Fainting during physical activity.</li><li>Unexplained chest pain.</li><li>Breathlessness.</li><li>A racing heartbeat.</li></ul>

<h2>Why Does Genetic Screening Of Families Matter?</h2>

Scaria highlighted the importance of investigating possible genetic causes after sudden cardiac death in a young person.

A molecular autopsy can identify genetic causes that a conventional autopsy may miss. Since many of these conditions are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, up to half of first-degree relatives could carry the same genetic variant and share the risk.

People with a family history of unexplained sudden death or inherited heart disease should seek genetic counselling. Others in high-risk occupations may also benefit from an individual risk assessment.

Dr Awasthy said immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (<span>CPR</span>) and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be life-saving if a child collapses and is unresponsive or not breathing normally.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

9-year-old-suffers-cardiac-arrest-could-a-hidden-heart-condition-be-to-blame

Cardiac Arrest

cardiac

Cardiac Arrest in children

Sudden Cardiac Death

heart attack

genetic condition

heart rhythm

with-delhi-aqi-nearing-400-pollution-flu-loom-ahead-of-diwali-what-happens-when-both-hit-your-lungs

With Delhi AQI Nearing 400, Pollution & Flu Loom Ahead Of Diwali: What Happens When Both Hit Your Lungs?

experimental-gene-therapy-reduces-drug-resistant-epileptic-seizures-by-over-90

Drug-Resistant Epileptic Seizures Reduce By Over 90% With Experimental Gene Therapy

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The sudden collapse and death of a nine-year-old girl inside her classroom in Delhi has raised concerns about cardiac emergencies in children. The Class 3 student had reportedly returned to the classroom after a games period and collapsed shortly afterwards.CCTV footage showed her walking into the classroom, placing both hands around her waist and then falling to the floor. A teacher rushed to help her and attempted to revive her before seeking further assistance. School staff took the child to a nearby hospital, which reportedly did not admit her. She was subsequently taken to another hospital in Nirman Vihar, where doctors declared her dead.Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Neeraj Awasthy, Senior Director, Pediatric Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Okhla, said heart attacks in children are extremely rare and differ from those commonly seen in adults."In adults, a heart attack is usually caused by a blockage in the arteries supplying the heart. In children, sudden cardiac arrest is more often associated with an underlying heart condition, such as a structural abnormality, an inherited problem affecting the heart rhythm or inflammation of the heart muscle," he said.Dr Awasthy also explained the possible causes and warning signs of cardiac events in children.What Causes Sudden Cardiac Events In Children?Also read: Energy Drinks Linked To More Heart Problems In Young Adults: Study Flags Cardiac RisksAccording to Dr Awasthy, sudden cardiac arrest in children is more commonly associated with underlying heart conditions, including:Structural abnormalities of the heart.Inherited conditions affecting the heart rhythm.Inflammation of the heart muscle.Does Genetics Contribute To Sudden Cardiac Death?In a post on X, Vinod Scaria, a scientist, said nearly one in five sudden cardiac deaths in young people may have a definite genetic explanation.Three groups of inherited conditions account for much of this genetic risk:Cardiac channelopathies.Cardiomyopathies.Familial hypercholesterolaemia.Scaria cited an analysis of Indian genomes that found variants associated with channelopathies in approximately 1% of individuals, cardiomyopathies in more than 1.5% and familial hypercholesterolaemia in about one in 150 individuals.Read More: Spanish Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies After On-Field Collision: Can A Blow To The Chest Trigger Cardiac Arrest?What Warning Signs Should Parents Watch For?Dr Awasthy told HealthandMe the following symptoms should not be ignored:Fainting during physical activity.Unexplained chest pain.Breathlessness.A racing heartbeat.Why Does Genetic Screening Of Families Matter?Scaria highlighted the importance of investigating possible genetic causes after sudden cardiac death in a young person.A molecular autopsy can identify genetic causes that a conventional autopsy may miss. Since many of these conditions are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, up to half of first-degree relatives could carry the same genetic variant and share the risk.People with a family history of unexplained sudden death or inherited heart disease should seek genetic counselling. Others in high-risk occupations may also benefit from an individual risk assessment.What To Do If A Child CollapsesDr Awasthy said immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be life-saving if a child collapses and is unresponsive or not breathing normally.

9-year-old suffers cardiac arrest: could a hidden heart condition be to blame?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

9-Year-Old Suffers Cardiac Arrest: Could A Hidden Heart Condition Be To Blame?

Drug-Resistant Epileptic Seizures Reduce By Over 90% With Experimental Gene Therapy

California Reports 4 Cases Of Deadly Clade I Mpox virus: What To Know About Local Transmission Risk

Over One In Four Americans Lied To Get Antibiotics For Children: Why It Can Be Dangerous

Health Conditions A-Z

9-Year-Old Suffers Cardiac Arrest: Could A Hidden Heart Condition Be To Blame?

With Delhi AQI Nearing 400, Pollution & Flu Loom Ahead Of Diwali: What Happens When Both Hit Your Lungs?

Drug-Resistant Epileptic Seizures Reduce By Over 90% With Experimental Gene Therapy