Heart disease are the major cause of death across the globe. I agree with the statement, “All children should be screened on a regular basis for heart disease.” The health professionals recommend that all children between the ages of 9-11, should have a cholesterol screen. Although heart diseases is a rare occurrence in children, the presence of the risk factors available in childhood can adversely increase the possibility of a child developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. This is the reason why it has been proposed that detection and intervention of the risk behaviors and factors of heart disease should be done throughout the childhood period to minimize the risk involved in adulthood ( de Ferranti et al., 2017).
The U.S NHLB has recommended universal screening of multiple risk factors of heart diseases in adolescents and children. Screening helps to identify the risk factors of heart diseases such as smoking, abnormal blood glucose, abnormal blood lipids, and increased blood pressure in children. Children with these complications or health problems have been found to be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. For instance, evidence reveals that children with high blood pressure are susceptible to heart disease. It is recommended for children to have their blood pressure checked annually during check up from the age of three years. Every diagnosis facilitates additional examinations, decisions, and treatments that may be very beneficial to health of an individual ( King, Macken, Blake & O’Gorman, 2019).
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As we learn more regarding cardiovascular diseases in adults, we come to realize that the process of heart problems begins in childhood and manifests over time. It is believed that universal screening would help to identify children who are at an increased risk of heart disease and enable physicians to follow-up. For instance, children with high level of cholesterol would be put to lifestyle modifications activities such as being physically active and dieting to improve their health ( Mihalopoulos et al., 2018). Therefore, it is evident that working with families would contribute significantly towards keeping children at a minimal risk of developing heart disease and preventing occurrence of more severe problems in adulthood.
References
De Ferranti, S. D., Rodday, A. M., Parsons, S. K., Cull, W. L., O'Connor, K. G., Daniels, S. R., & Leslie, L. K. (2017). Cholesterol screening and treatment practices and preferences : a survey of United States pediatricians . The Journal of pediatrics , 185 , 99-105.
King, K., Macken, A., Blake, O., & O’Gorman, C. S. (2019). Cholesterol screening and statin use in children: a literature review . Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971-) , 188 (1), 179-188.
Mihalopoulos, N. L., Stipelman, C., Hemond, J., Brown, L. L., & Young, P. C. (2018). Universal Lipid Screening in 9-to 11-Year-Olds Before and After 2011 Guidelines. Academic pediatrics , 18 (2), 196-199.
