Impact of Malnutrition: Studying the Effects of Undernutrition and Micronutrient Deficiencies on Cardiac Health in Children

Sher Alam Khan; Muhammad Fayaz; Shafqat Hussain; Syeda Aqsa Naqvi; Osama bin Nazeer; Muhammad Basit Khawaj

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i1.552

Authors

Sher Alam Khan Department of Pediatrics, Musharraf Medical Complex, Abbottabad, KP, Pakistan.
Muhammad Fayaz Department of Pediatrics, Abbottabad International Medical Institute, Abbottabad, KP, Pakistan.
Shafqat Hussain DHQ Hospital, Charsadda, KP, Pakistan.
Syeda Aqsa Naqvi Department of Pediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, KP, Pakistan.
Osama bin Nazeer Department of Pediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, KP, Pakistan.
Muhammad Basit Khawaj Department of Pediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, KP, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i1.552

Keywords:

Malnutrition, Undernutrition, Micronutrient Deficiencies, Iron Deficiency, Zinc Deficiency, Cardiac Health, Children, Growth Impairment, Left Ventricular Function, Diastolic Dysfunction

Abstract

Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies such as iron and zinc affect children’s health, growth, and development, with serious risks to cardiac health. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between malnutrition and cardiac dysfunction in children of age 6 months – 12 years. Using a cross-sectional study, quantitative data were obtained from 500 children selected in rural and urban areas with a view of evaluating anthropometric measurements, haemoglobin, serum iron, serum zinc, LVEF, fractional shortening LVEF and diastolic function. Outcome showed that undernutrition lowered weight for age and height for age scores and iron and zinc deficiency reduced haemoglobin and serum micronutrient concentration. Echocardiographic evaluations revealed that malnourished children had lower LVEF, more poor diastolic function, and higher prevalence of arrhythmia than children with normal nutritional status. These results highlight the importance of individualised nutritional measures, and periodic cardiac evaluations to address the systematic and chronic cardiovascular implications of malnutrition. If these deficiencies are addressed early enough, great strides toward better growth, health and quality life for these children can be realized. Thus, the present work stresses the urgency of collaboration between nutrition and cardiology, as well as the necessity of sound and efficient interventionist programs for the prevention of malnutrition and its repercussions for the global population.

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