Andreas C Petropoulos
Azerbaijan State Medical University, Azerbaijan
Title: Strategies to prevent cardiac diseases in childhood
Biography
Biography: Andreas C Petropoulos
Abstract
The burden of cardiac disease is a sum of 1% of the general population suffering from Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and an unknown high prevalence of acquired disease. Cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias - sudden cardiac death, rheumatic heart disease, hypertension and accelerating atherosclerosis are among the most frequent. Adding on, genetic syndromes including cardiac defects, endocarditis and myocarditis we can address a large pediatric population worldwide, suffering from heart disease. Diagnosis and treatment of these diseases are not afforded in many countries worldwide due to luck of human and material resources. The aim of this paper is to describe how some of the above mentioned can be either early detected or prevented. We focus on some forms of sever CHD, sudden cardiac death linked to sport activities and detecting- preventing CVD in the young. Measurements of pre and post ductal saturation of oxygen using pulse oximeteres, on the third day from birth, can early and cheap detect Ductal Arteriosus dependent pulmonary/ systemic and cyanotic CHD’s, saving lives. The use of a combination of detailed medical history, physical examination and 12 lead ECG, during a pre-participation in sport activities screening test can prevent sudden cardiac death. Screening and treating existent risk factors for CVD as well as preventing obesity and hypertension, contributes in the burden of CVD.