Young Hearts at Risk: Alarming Rise in Cardiac Arrests Among Children

By Khushi Sikarwar | 27/06/2025 | Categories: Health & Fitness

Rising cases of cardiac arrests in children spark national concern, urging parents and schools to act swiftly and responsibly.

Poor lifestyle, hidden heart conditions, and post-viral effects are silently increasing heart risks among young children today.

New Delhi: 27 June 2025

Once unthinkable, sudden cardiac arrests in children are being reported more frequently leaving parents, doctors, and educators deeply concerned. While rare, these cases are prompting urgent questions about underlying health issues, lifestyle changes, and how prepared we are to detect danger early.

Silent Triggers, Sudden Collapse: What is the cause of these sudden cardiac arrests?

A recent string of incidents of young children, some even under ten, experiencing sudden cardiac arrests has made many concerned. This is not a typical heart attack, which is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Sudden cardiac arrests happen as a result of an abrupt failure of the electrical system of the heart, usually due to some underlying but undiagnosed condition.

Some of the medical causes include congenital or genetic heart defects, like cardiomyopathy, or rhythm abnormalities.

There are inflammatory heart conditions such as myocarditis, or complications following viral infections that may lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Post-viral syndromes, associated with COVID-19 in children, including Kawasaki disease, have also affected cardiac health in children.

Poor Diet and Lifestyle Add to Risk

Apart from medical conditions, modern lifestyle choices are playing a dangerous role. More screen time, less activity, and diets rich in processed and junk food are creating the perfect storm for childhood obesity, initial symptoms of high cholesterol, and even high blood pressure, all of which are traditionally viewed as adult risk factors.

This type of risk factor is pushing children into a higher risk category for cardiovascular conditions earlier than expected.

Hidden Stressors and Impacts of Illness

In addition to poor lifestyle behaviours, many environmental and psychological stressors have also contributed. Learning pressure, sleep deprivation, air pollution, and aftereffects of certain viral infection(s) are all believed to affect heart health over time. In some instances, heart inflammation can develop unnoticed, with little to no warning until a crisis occurs.

What Parents Should Watch Out For

Warning indications of possible cardiac problems in youngsters are frequently neglected. Symptoms such as fainting spells, shortness of breath during routine activities, persistent fatigue, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat should be taken seriously. These signs, especially when paired with a family history of heart-related issues, could indicate an underlying problem.

Prevention Starts at Home and School

There are numerous methods to lower the risk of cardiac problems in children:

Encourage daily physical activity and minimize screen time.

Serve nutritious, home-cooked meals instead of processed foods

Schedule routine health screenings, especially for active children

Educate schools about CPR and first-aid preparedness

Create stress-free, balanced environments both at home and in classrooms

A Time to Act, Not Panic

While these cases remain rare, they are increasing in visibility and frequency. The key lies in awareness, early diagnosis, and preventive habits. Small lifestyle changes and timely checkups can go a long way in protecting a child’s heart and their future.