Children’s Day with heart – Let’s care not only for their smiles, but their hearts too!
On Children’s Day, fun, joy, and laughter take center stage. But there’s something equally important to pay attention to – the health of a child’s heart. Cardiovascular diseases in childhood often develop silently and without symptoms, yet they can have long-term consequences if not detected in time.
The mission of the SZÍVSN National Patient Association is to raise awareness about prevention, the importance of screening, and how to maintain the heart health of our youngest – not just on this celebratory day, but every single day of the year.
Heart disease can begin in childhood – and often remains hidden. On Children’s Day, let’s give more than balloons – let’s offer a chance at a long and healthy life. A child’s heart is fragile – but care and attention can make it strong. Did you know that around 5% of children and teenagers under 18 suffer from high blood pressure, and 1 in 10 may have above-average blood pressure values? This figure is four times higher than 30 years ago. In Hungary, 3–5% of children are affected.
“One of the major risk factors is obesity. In Hungary, approximately 20% of children are overweight – one of the highest rates in Europe. One in five primary school children is overweight, more than 5% of 2–3-year-olds are obese, and among 4–6-year-olds, the figure reaches 20%. Many parents don’t recognize the risks even when the excess weight is obvious: it can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, joint problems, and physical inactivity that may cause cardiovascular disease. These conditions can be rooted in childhood if we don’t pay attention. Other risk factors include poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, excessive salt intake, insufficient sleep, consumption of sugary and caffeinated energy drinks, and genetic predisposition,” warns Zsuzsanna Bernáth-Lukács, President of SZÍVSN.
“Few people know that one of the most common inherited metabolic disorders – familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) – can appear as early as childhood. This congenital high cholesterol level cannot be reduced by diet or exercise and can lead to early heart attack or sudden cardiac death. Alarmingly, it affects around 500,000 children in Europe, but only 5% are diagnosed in time. The European Commission has officially recognized childhood screening for FH as a ‘best practice’ – a promising step toward its implementation in Hungary as well,” adds the President.
SZÍVSN National Patient Association was founded 13 years ago by certified nurses and heart patients. It remains the only patient organization in Hungary where healthcare professionals and affected individuals work together for patients. Uniquely, its advisory board includes ten patients who share their experiences to empower and inform others – offering real stories that inspire and educate.
“Our goal is to make life-saving information accessible and to reduce the vulnerability caused by lack of information,” says Bernáth-Lukács. “Women are often the cornerstone of family health – that’s why we reach out to families through mothers, especially on Children’s Day.”
The future of their hearts is in our hands.
Request screenings, especially if there is a history of heart disease in the family.
Watch for the signs – unusual symptoms can save lives.
Give love and security – a child’s heart is also sensitive to emotions.
Encourage physical activity and healthy eating – through play and positive examples.
On Children’s Day – and every day – let’s care for the youngest hearts.
Let’s give more than gifts – let’s give a future.
Because a caring parent can even save a life.
5 warning signs you should never ignore:
A child’s heart may “speak” differently than an adult’s. These signs could indicate serious heart problems:
- Frequent fatigue or shortness of breath – especially if the child can’t keep up with peers.
- Recurrent chest pain or palpitations – particularly while at rest.
- Bluish lips, pale nails, or overall pallor – may suggest oxygen deficiency or circulatory issues.
- Irregular or rapid pulse – persistent irregularities warrant medical evaluation.
- Developmental delays – may point to a congenital heart condition.
The 6 most common childhood heart diseases – A short guide for parents
- Congenital heart defects
Developmental abnormalities present at birth.
Look for: bluish lips, breathing difficulties, fatigue. - Arrhythmias
Irregular or abnormal heart rhythms.
Look for: fainting, dizziness, sudden weakness. - Kawasaki disease
An inflammatory condition affecting the heart’s blood vessels.
Look for: rashes, red eyes, fever, swollen neck glands. - Cardiomyopathies
Genetic heart muscle disorders.
Look for: shortness of breath, night sweats, fainting. - Childhood hypertension
Often symptom-free, but serious.
Look for: headaches, irritability, nosebleeds. - Rheumatic heart disease
A complication of untreated strep throat.
Look for: prolonged sore throat, joint pain.
What can we do as parents?
- Ensure yearly pediatric screenings – especially with a family history of heart disease.
- Teach children healthy eating habits – more vegetables and fruits, less sugar.
- Make movement joyful – prioritize play over performance.
- Watch over their mental well-being – a child’s heart is vulnerable both physically and emotionally.
