Mangaluru: September 29 is observed as ‘World Heart Day’, which aims to encourage people to cut their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart attack and stroke. To commemorate the day, A J Hospital and Research Centre, Mangaluru organised a workshop on ‘Cardiac Problems in Children’ for Rashtriya Bala Swasthya Karyakrama (RBSK) doctors at the hospital conference hall on September 28.

The programme began with invoking God’s blessings followed by welcome address by Dr Manujunath B V, chief interventional cardiologist and HoD of Cardiology Department, where he also briefed about the World Heart Day and about cardiac problems that arise among children.

The workshop was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by chief guest Dr Ashok, RCHO, Dakshina Kannada, along with Dr Prashanth Marla, medical director, A J Hospital and Research Centre, Dr Amitha Marla, director administration, A J Hospital and Research Centre, Dr Ashok Hegde, dean, A J Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Manjunath B V, Dr Prem Alva, consultant pediatric cardiologist, Dr Gourav Shetty, consultant, pediatric cardiac surgery, A J Hospital and Research Centre.

In his inaugural address, Dr Ashok said, “Heart disease is difficult enough when it strikes adults, but it can be especially tragic in children. Many different types of heart problems can affect children. They include congenital heart defects, viral infections that affect the heart, and even heart disease acquired later in childhood due to illnesses or genetic syndromes.”

In his presidential address, Dr Prashanth Marla said, “You should see the doctor to know how healthy your heart is and any lifestyle changes that you need to make.”

Heart is a vital organ of the body, but unfortunately in India, 10 out of 1000 children are born with heart defects. Timely diagnosis and treatment is needed to save these children. In order to bring awareness about the defects of heart diseases in children, the workshop was conducted for AYUSH doctors by two eminent doctors, Dr Gourav Shetty, consultant pediatric cardiac surgeon and Dr Prem Alva, consultant pediatric cardiologist, both from A J Hospital and Research Centre.

The programme was compered by Nasifa, student of master in Hospital Administration and the vote thanks was delivered by Lidwin D’ Souza, manager relations, A J Hospital.