New Delhi: In a shocking incident, a 9-year-old student of Montfort School Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, died due to cardiac arrest while playing on the school premises. The news was reported on Saturday after the principal of the school broke the information to the media. As per a PTI report, a statement issued by the school principal on Thursday mentioned that a student of Class 3, identified as Manvi Singh suddenly fell unconscious in the playground when she was immediately rushed to the hospital. The incident came as a shock to the family of the deceased when the doctors announced that she died because of cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest is one the leading causes of death across the globe, it occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating and is caused by the immediate loss of electrical heart function. It is a condition that usually starts from an irregular and fast quivering of ventricles, also called ventricular fibrillation. However, SCA is very rare in children but it can affect anyone, the ones who are also physically fit.
According to reports, each year, cardiac arrest claims over 2,000 lives in children and adolescents in the United States. SCA accounts for nearly 3-5 per cent of all mortality in children the age of 5-19 years. But a cardiac arrest in a 3-year-old child is beyond understanding. Dr Keshava R, Senior Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru told News9, “Cardiac arrest in children is less common than in adults but can be very serious when it occurs. It typically results from different causes than those in adults. The overall incidence of cardiac arrest in children is relatively low, but there are several factors that might contribute to an apparent increase or awareness of such cases.”
Factors that lead to cardiac arrest in children include:
1. Respiratory Issues: Respiratory problems such as severe asthma attacks, choking, or drowning can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the heart, causing it to stop.
2. Congenital Heart Defects: Some children are born with heart abnormalities that can increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
3. Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, whether inherited or acquired, can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Conditions like Long QT syndrome or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are examples.
4. Trauma: Severe physical trauma or injury, including accidents or violent impacts, can cause cardiac arrest.
5. Infections: Severe infections that affect the heart (like myocarditis) or lead to sepsis can disrupt the heart’s normal function.
6. Electrolyte Imbalances: Imbalances in essential electrolytes like potassium, calcium, or magnesium can interfere with the heart’s rhythm.
7. Cardiomyopathy: This condition involves diseases of the heart muscle, which can weaken the heart and lead to cardiac arrest.
Rising Incidence of Chronic Conditions
Accoridng to Dr Keshava, “The growing cases of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes in children can cause cardiovascular issues, that can potentially lead to cardiac arrest or heart attacks. Lifestyle changes such as increased sedentary behaviour and poor dietary habits, may affect heart health.”
“Prompt recognition and intervention are critical for improving outcomes in cases of cardiac arrest. Basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) methods, including CPR and defibrillation, are crucial in these emergencies.”
A statement issued by the school principal on Thursday mentioned that a student of Class 3, identified as Manvi Singh suddenly fell unconscious in the playground when she was immediately rushed to the hospital. The incident came as a shock to the family of the deceased when the doctors announced that she died because of cardiac arrest. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
