Good news for parents and doctors: the number of deaths from heart disease among children has dropped by an impressive 44% between 2007 and 2016, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What caused the drop in deaths?

The CDC attributes the decline in heart disease deaths to several factors, including:.

Increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of heart disease among parents and pediatricians
Improvements in screening and diagnosis, such as fetal echocardiography and pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease
Advancements in medical treatments, including minimally invasive surgeries and better medications
Increasing rates of breastfeeding, which has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease in children

What is heart disease in children?

Heart disease refers to a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. In children, some of the most common types of heart disease include:.

Congenital heart defects, which are present at birth and can range from minor to life-threatening
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick
Rheumatic heart disease, which can occur after a strep throat infection and cause damage to the heart valves

How common is heart disease in children?

Heart disease is relatively rare in children, affecting less than 1% of kids in the United States. However, it remains a leading cause of death among children under 18, accounting for about 1 in every 4 deaths.

What are the signs and symptoms of heart disease in children?

The signs and symptoms of heart disease in children can vary depending on the specific condition. Some common symptoms include:.

Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Fatigue or weakness
Poor feeding or difficulty gaining weight
Chest pain or discomfort
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Dizziness or fainting

How is heart disease in children diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing heart disease in children often involves a combination of physical exams, medical tests, and imaging studies. Some common tests include:.

Echocardiography
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Chest X-ray
Cardiac catheterization

Treatment for heart disease in children may vary depending on the specific condition and the severity of the symptoms. Some common treatments include:.

Medications to manage symptoms or prevent complications
Surgery to repair or replace heart valves or correct congenital defects
Heart transplant in severe cases

How can parents prevent heart disease in children?

While not all cases of heart disease in children can be prevented, there are some steps parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk:.

Promote a healthy lifestyle: Encourage children to eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and maintain a healthy weight
Prevent infections: Make sure children receive all recommended vaccinations and teach them good hygiene habits, such as regular hand washing
Get regular checkups: Follow your child’s recommended schedule for well-child visits and alert your pediatrician if you notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors
Manage existing conditions: If a child has a chronic condition that increases the risk of heart disease, such as diabetes, make sure it is well-managed under the guidance of a healthcare provider

The bottom line

While heart disease remains a serious concern for children and families, the new report from the CDC offers encouraging news in the fight against this deadly condition.

By continuing to raise awareness, improve screening and treatment, and promote healthy lifestyle habits, we can help reduce the number of heart disease deaths even further.