Pollution Puts Children With Heart Defects at Higher Risk, Says Apollo Cardiologist

Post by : Saif Nasser

Pollution in Delhi-NCR has become a yearly danger, and its impact goes far beyond breathing problems. Doctors now warn that the toxic air can seriously affect children who are born with heart defects or have undergone heart surgeries. These children already have weaker heart function, and polluted air puts extra stress on their bodies, making their condition worse.

Each winter, as smog becomes heavier and the Air Quality Index drops, doctors see more young patients struggling with breathlessness, fatigue, and delayed recovery from infections. Dr Vikas Kohli, Pediatric Cardiologist and Founder of the Child Heart Foundation, explains that particles like PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation. For healthy children, the body can adapt to this stress. But for children with heart defects, the effects slowly build up and can be harmful.

These fine particles make the blood thicker, irritate blood vessels, and may reduce oxygen flow. When the body gets less oxygen, the heart has to work harder. For a child already coping with a heart defect, this extra pressure can make daily life more difficult.

Dr Kohli highlights that many parents don’t realise how much pollution affects their child’s heart health. He adds that families can take simple steps to reduce risks and protect children from the harmful effects of bad air.

One of the most important habits is checking the Air Quality Index every day. Many apps provide quick updates. If the AQI enters the red zone, the doctor advises that children with heart conditions stay indoors. Pollution levels are usually highest in the early morning and evening when traffic peaks. Parents can adjust school timings, limit outdoor activity, and plan indoor play on high-pollution days.

While staying indoors helps, homes are not always pollution-free. Dust, smoke from cooking, incense, and even poor ventilation can spoil indoor air quality. The doctor suggests improving ventilation when outdoor pollution is low, using exhaust fans while cooking, and keeping the home dust-free. In highly polluted areas, HEPA air purifiers can be helpful. Children sleeping in cleaner rooms often wake up with better oxygen levels and fewer symptoms of breathlessness.

Regular medical check-ups are another key step. During the smog season, even small drops in oxygen can place more strain on a child’s heart. Parents should monitor oxygen levels at home using pulse oximeters and watch for fatigue, quick breathing, or unusual tiredness. The doctor recommends visiting the cardiologist more frequently during polluted months so treatment plans can be adjusted early.

Dr Kohli also explains that a strong immune system protects children better during high-pollution periods. When the air quality is poor, even minor colds can become serious chest infections for children with heart defects. Warm water, balanced meals, enough sleep, vitamin-rich foods, and proper rest help reduce the risk. Since lung health and heart health are connected, preventing infections is very important.

Finally, the doctor encourages families to join community efforts to improve air quality. Even small actions—like using carpools, avoiding burning waste, planting trees, and supporting clean-air campaigns—can lead to long-term improvement. Schools can also help by adjusting outdoor activities, teaching students about pollution, and creating safer environments on bad-air days.

As pollution continues to rise each winter, awareness and small daily actions can make a big difference. For children with heart defects, these steps are not just helpful—they are essential for protecting their health and giving them a safer environment to grow in.