EFFECTS OF HEART DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN - A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Every year, World Heart Day is celebrated on 29 September focusing on different themes highlighting the importance of cardiac health as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remains the biggest cause of Death worldwide. World Health organization report alarms that more than 17 million people died from CVDs in 2008. More than 3 million of these deaths have occurred before the age of 60 which could have been prevented to greater extent. The percentage of premature deaths from CVDs varies from 4% in high-income countries to 42% in low-income countries, leading to increase in inequalities in the incidence and outcome of CVDs between many countries and populations. (Source: WHO report 2011). Dr. Rajiv Sethi had mentioned that the children are equally susceptible to cardiovascular diseases with more exposure to unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and smoking that can lead to heart disease early in life. This paper focuses on the burden of heart disease among children globally and in India. It explains the impact on the Children's future. This paper will enable the health care professionals to pay more attention on Children.