In a first-of-its-kind study conducted by cardiologist Rajneesh Kapoor, it was found that 9 of 10 children from Punjab and Delhi lack a heart-healthy lifestyle. For the study, 3,200 children in the age group of 5-18 years were examined through a questionnaire-based assessment on parameters that affect cardiovascular health.
The study
Each participant was given a cardiovascular health score based on their responses to body mass index, physical activity, bedtime hours, sleep time hours, dietary habits and nicotine exposure. The maximum attainable score was set at 100 and subjects were profiled for advice on lifestyle modifications based on their scores relative to it, informed Dr Kapoor, as mentioned in a report by IANS.
"A score less than 40 was categorised as concerning. Children in this needed intense lifestyle modifications starting as early as possible. A score between 70 and 100 was healthy, whereas children scoring between 40 and 70 needed moderate lifestyle movements," he said.
The study is lined up for presentation at the Innovations in Interventional Cardiology Summit 2022, which is a two-day annual meet, starting on August 27.
A matter of concern
The results of the study revealed that 24 per cent of the population had a cardiovascular health score of less than 40, while 68 per cent featured in the 40-70 score category. It was only 8 per cent of the study population which met all criteria needed for a healthy cardiovascular system, as informed by Dr Kapoor.
Explaining that the children's lifestyle has a definitive role in their risk of developing cardiovascular disease in adulthood, the doctor urged parents to intervene and facilitate lifestyle modifications in their children that can potentially avert the risk. He warned that little or no physical activity followed by poor dietary habits were found to be the topmost factors negatively affecting the cardiovascular health score in the study population.
"Obesity was seen to be prevalent in 38 per cent of the total study population, inadequate sleep was in 3 per cent but improper bedtime hours was noted in the routine of 75 per cent of children. The body has a 24-hour internal clock, called circadian rhythm, that helps regulate physical and mental functioning. Early or late bedtimes may be more likely to disrupt the body clock with adverse consequences for cardiovascular health," he said.
The solution
"Most people don't think about risk factors during childhood but I think it is actually essential that we all start doing that. Because it is probably way easier to prevent the development of cardiac risk factors than to try and get rid of them once they've developed. So the question is what can be done," Dr Kapoor addressed, as per IANS.
"It starts with healthy eating. A good one is a diet where half the food is vegetables and fruits, a quarter is a lean protein and a quarter is a whole grain, with a side of dairy. Another very important step is to keep the children moving. Whether it is through a formal class or just playing at a park, physical activity should be worked into a family's schedule. But the activity should be age-appropriate and align with the child's interests," he explained.
