Kid’s heart health is our focus today. It’s part of our month-long series for American heart month. According to the CDC, about one in 10 young people has elevated blood pressure. Childhood obesity is contributing to the problem. Here in the city, about a quarter of kids are obese, according to Columbia Public Health. These issues could lead to serious heart problems later in life.
Dr. Georgios Syros, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai hospital, joined “News All Day” to talk more about this.
He says that kids who are most at risk are those who have a genetic predisposition as well as those who are overweight. Often, this includes people who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Poor health habits have a tendency to continue into adulthood, which could lead to problems including strokes, heart attacks, or the need to be on dialysis.
To help your child maintain a healthy heart, Syros suggests the following:
limit salty and fast foods
take kids to the pediatrician
exercise
limit sugary drinks and juice
drink more water
eat more fruits and vegetables
For more information, go to https://www.mountsinai.org/care/heart/services.
