Paediatric cardiologists warn that poor diets, inactivity and long hours on phones and tablets are increasing cardiovascular risks for children, while early screening and healthier routines can help protect them.
Childhood heart health is increasingly shaped by daily habits as much as by genetics, with Turkish paediatric cardiologists warning that long hours spent on phones and tablets, poor diet and inactivity are adding to the strain on young bodies. Prof Fatih Mehmet Uçar said children’s eating patterns have deteriorated and sedentary routines have become more common, a combination he believes can undermine cardiovascular health.
The concern is not limited to one country. The Texas Heart Institute says physical inactivity, unhealthy eating and obesity are recognised risk factors for heart disease in children and teenagers, and that active children are more likely to carry healthy habits into adulthood. In practical terms, that means the same patterns that protect a child today may also reduce their long-term risk of heart problems later in life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children over the age of six should aim for at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, alongside a heart-friendly diet built around fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and reduced-fat dairy. Nationwide Children’s Hospital adds that families should limit highly processed foods, added sugars and refined carbohydrates, while also paying attention to sleep and stress, both of which can affect heart health.
Children’s Health says early screening matters because conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity can raise the risk of heart disease in children, particularly when combined with too little exercise and a poor diet. The message from clinicians is straightforward: parents and carers can lower risk by encouraging movement, cutting back on packaged snacks and building routines that support sleep, activity and balanced meals.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
