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If most of us ever think of kids and heart disease at all, it’s probably about babies born with malformed hearts. We call these abnormalities in the development of cardiac structures during fetal life “congenital heart defects.”
These problems can be so minor as to be inconsequential. Some are important but very likely to resolve as the baby and his or her heart grows. Unfortunately others are so severe they require either procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab or open heart operations. Happily these days the techniques, devices and skills needed to deal with most inborn cardiac problems allow all but the very sickest newborns to be successfully treated.
Except for these congenital, or inborn problems with the heart’s architecture and some inherited problems with cholesterol and other fats, heart disease has long been thought of as a health condition that kids don’t have to worry about until well into adulthood. But a recent study is suggesting otherwise.
The study found that children with allergies, such as asthma and hay fever, may be at a higher risk for heart disease. Specifically, children with allergies were found to have about twice the rate of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both risk factors for heart disease.
Although this study didn’t find a direct cause-effect relationship between allergies and heart disease in children, it does emphasize that age isn’t the only important risk factor when it comes to the risk of developing heart disease.
We know that childhood obesity is a risk factor for heart disease; yet researchers in this study found that children with allergies have a higher risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol regardless of their weight.
Asthma and hay fever typically cause inflammation, which could be the link to a higher risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Children with profound asthma have a tendency to be less active, which could also have an effect on blood pressure and cholesterol.
Overall, the study found that although children with allergies have an increased risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the actual level of that overall risk wasn’t great.
Parents shouldn’t be worried that just because their child has allergies that they’re going to also develop high cholesterol and high blood pressure. But they should know that allergy-related diseases, especially in severe cases, can lead to other health issues.
What parents can do is recognize potential health risks associated with their child’s allergies and work with their pediatricians, allergists and lung specialists to minimize their impact and deal with them early.
Especially if your child has allergies that aren’t well controlled, talk to their pediatrician or specialist. You should also talk to them if you notice your child is gaining weight or not able to do things other children their age can because of their allergies.
Now that this study has heightened our recognition of the issue, doctors can screen children with severe allergies for high blood pressure and cholesterol if you’re concerned about it.
Certainly, one of the things parents can do to ensure their child stays healthy is to work to keep their allergic diseases well-controlled. As always though, make sure they’re eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein while getting some type of physical activity each day.
A healthy diet, physical activity, following your pediatrician’s advice, appropriate vaccinations and having regular checkups will help set your child on the course to prevent serious chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, diabetes now and into their future … and hugs, don’t forget the incredible healing properties of hugs!
