Cardiovascular Disorders
For consultation, appointments, and assistance: (800) 242-0008.
Most people only think of middle-aged adults or the elderly as being affected
by heart disease. Children are usually thought of as having healthy hearts.
Yet, consider these statistics: 
- Eight out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States is born with
a congenital heart abnormality.
- Nearly one million people living in the US were born with a congenital
heart defect.
- Thirty-six percent of adolescents and young adults who die suddenly
have a disease of the heart muscle known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- About 1.7 million cases of rheumatic fever are reported each year, an
illness which usually strikes in childhood.
- Up to 2,500 children a year have an illness that can damage the heart
and coronary arteries known as Kawasaki disease. Most of these children
are 5 years old and under.
- Risk factors that contribute to coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular
diseases (such as smoking, lack of exercise, and high cholesterol levels)
often begin at an early age.
- Approximately 4.5 million children, ages 12 to 17, are already smokers.
- Nearly 2,000 children under age 18 become regular, daily smokers
every day.
- Nearly half of children ages 12 to 21 do not exercise on a daily
basis.
- An estimated 15 percent of American children ages 6 to 19 are
obese.
- Approximately 4.5 million children, ages 12 to 17, are already smokers.
Some heart problems experienced by children, such as most cases of congenital (present at birth) heart defects, can be treated medically or surgically, but cannot be prevented. However, heart-healthy living habits started at an early age - sensible eating, keeping cholesterol levels low, getting regular exercise, refraining from smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight - greatly diminish the risks of other cardiovascular problems such as stroke, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease developing in adulthood.
Contact Information:
Pradip K. Dhar, MD, DCH(UK), FAAP, FACC, FASE
Mehrdad Salamat, MD, FAAP, FACC
Billy Rios, MDSouth Texas Pediatric Cardiology Associates
Driscoll Children's Heart Center
CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES
3533 S. Alameda St. Suite 201
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411Cardiac Cath Lab (361) 694-5246
EKG (361) 694-5074
ECHO (361) 694-5266
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