Childhood obesity may have several adverse effects on an individual’s well-being later in the years. As it is national childhood obesity awareness month, it is essential to discuss the impact of childhood obesity on a person’s cardiac output and heart health.
The correlation between BMI and cardiac output
Healthcare practitioners depend on cardiology diagnostic tests, such as Cardiac Telemetry, echocardiogram, Pulmonary artery catheterization, and others, to evaluate their patients’ heart health. According to an NCBI study, hemodynamic monitoring in obese patients shows the impact of body mass index (BMI) on cardiac output and stroke volume. The study was focused on evaluating the reliability of cardiac hemodynamics in normal and obese patients.
The researchers found that BMI was positively correlated with cardiac output and stroke volume. “Each 1 kg/m increase in BMI was associated with a 0.08 L/min (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.10; p < .001) increase in CO and 1.35 mL (95% CI, 0.96-1.74; p < .001) increase in SV.”
The study further emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy body mass index among patients. While medical practitioners usually rely on cardiology diagnostic tests, such as cardiac telemetry, to get accurate cardiac output results, it is equally important to promote an active lifestyle among patients. Childhood obesity may invite serious heart problems that can be prevented by:
Healthy eating habits
The first rule of eating right is not skipping meals. Children should be taught to eat on time instead of overeating later. In addition, they should be given balanced meals and kept away from unhealthy junk food.
Changing cooking habits
Children love to eat different foods instead of repeating a few meals. Alternative cooking techniques like baking, broiling, roasting, stewing, and steaming will help keep them interested and healthy.
Physical activity
The biggest reason behind childhood obesity is the lack of physical activity. So, it is always better to send children to a park than to keep them indulged in video games.
The bottom line
Healthcare professionals can use cardiology diagnostic tests, such as ECGs, Stress Tests, Holter Monitoring, Cardiac Telemetry monitoring, and others, to determine cardiac health among children with obesity by checking, measuring, and monitoring their blood pressure, stress levels, and vital signs, such as pulse rate and respiration rate.
It is also important to educate children on ways to reduce the risk of developing obesity and heart disease. Preventing childhood obesity can be a significant step towards ensuring better heart health among them in adulthood.
