Study suggests heart-healthy lifestyle is missing in 9 of 10 children in Punjab, Delhi

Dr. Kapoor is the principal investigator of a study that examined 3,200 children in the age group 5 to 18 years through a questionnaire-based assessment of parameters affecting cardiovascular health.

The intention of the study

The study aims to explore the connection, if any, between the rising prevalence of childhood obesity, high screen time in children and lack of adequate physical activity, and the rising incidence of heart disease in adults at an older age. early.

“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.

A cardiologist with more than 20 years of practice, said: “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 policy makers and contributing as a group of experts for the control of cardiac diseases. .

The method

Each participant received a cardiovascular health score based on their responses to BMI, physical activity time, bedtime, 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 relative to it, she reported.

“A score of less than 40 was classified as concerning, children in this needed intense lifestyle modifications started as soon as possible. A score between 70 and 100 was healthy, while children with a score between 40 and 70 need moderate lifestyle movements.”

The researchers paid more attention to children in urban areas, as they are more likely to have access to electronic devices and junk food, and may also spend more time indoors.

The results

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 of all children led a lifestyle that he met all the necessary criteria for healthy cardiovascular health. system. “Obesity was found to be prevalent in 38 percent of the total study population, inadequate sleep was found in 3 percent, but inadequate routine bedtime was seen in 75 percent of the children. The body has an internal 24-hour clock. Going to bed early or late is more likely to disrupt the biological clock with adverse consequences for cardiovascular health.”

the prognosis

Dr. Kapoor urges parents to intervene and facilitate lifestyle changes in their children to potentially avoid cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood. “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.”

A good diet is one in which half the food is vegetables and fruits, a quarter is lean protein, and a quarter is whole grains, with a side of dairy, suggested Dr. Kapoor.

He said that whether it’s through a formal class or just playing in a park, physical activity should be included in the family schedule.

“The activity must be age-appropriate and align with the child’s interests. Mainly, I suggest lifestyle modification for everyone. The healthy lifestyle for the heart is one in which there are two hours of physical activity a day, a healthy diet, a minimum of 7 hours of sleep in adults and 8-9 hours in children and on time, “suggests Dr. Kapoor .

The study is scheduled for presentation at the Interventional Cardiology Innovations Summit 2022, a two-day annual meeting of IIC 2022.