At 11, Millena Brandão, Netflix Child Star, Dies After Suffering 13 Heart Attacks: What Could Cause Multiple Heart Attacks

The world is mourning the sudden loss of Millena Brandão, the talented 11-year-old Brazilian actress who rose to fame with her role in the popular Netflix series ‘Sintonia’. Known for her bright smile and promising career, Millena’s death has come as a shock to fans and the entertainment community alike. Recently, Millena tragically passed away after suffering 13 heart attacks within a few days. Her unexpected illness and rapid decline have raised many questions about how such a young and seemingly healthy child could face such a severe medical crisis. This heartbreaking news highlights the importance of understanding rare pediatric conditions and recognising early warning signs in children.

Millena Brandão’s Sudden Illness and Death

Millena’s parents, Thays and Luiz Brandão, shared that her health started to decline on April 24. She complained of severe headaches, pain in her legs, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Doctors first thought she had dengue fever and sent her home with medicine, but her symptoms quickly got worse. Within days, Millena could no longer walk and fainted at home. She was rushed to the hospital, where she suffered her first cardiac arrest.

A CT scan later found a 5-centimetre mass in her brain, but doctors could not say if it was a tumour, cyst, or blood clot. Despite treatment, Millena continued to have multiple heart attacks and respiratory failures. In total, she suffered 13 cardiac arrests before doctors declared her brain dead. Her parents made the heartbreaking decision to remove life support when they knew she would not recover.

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What Could Cause Multiple Heart Attacks in a Child?

Mellena’s exact cause of death is still being checked, but her case shows how rare and serious it is for children to have more than one heart attack. In most cases, heart attacks in kids are not like those in adults. They usually happen because of problems the child was born with (congenital heart defects), strong infections, or issues in the brain, like tumours or blood clots. For Millena, doctors found a mass in her brain, which may have affected her heart and breathing.

Dr Tapan Kumar Dash, Clinical Director and Head of Department - Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, explains that some health problems can make heart attacks more likely in kids:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is when the heart muscle gets too thick. The thick muscle needs more oxygen, but the heart can’t keep up, especially during exercise. This is the most common heart problem that causes sudden heart stops in children.
• Abnormal heart arteries: Sometimes, the arteries that bring blood to the heart are not in the right place or are too narrow. This means the heart doesn’t get enough blood, which can cause a heart attack.
• Other causes: Some children have heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), infections that affect the heart (like myocarditis), or genetic conditions that affect how the heart works.

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association explains that cardiac arrest in children is often caused by underlying health issues, including heart or brain problems. Cardiac arrest in children is often caused by breathing problems or shock, not direct heart issues like in adults. It usually happens after a gradual decline in the child’s condition. For kids with heart defects, the heart may be the cause, but it differs from adult cases. 

How Can This Happen?

Children rarely have heart attacks like adults do. When it happens, it’s usually due to a serious illness or condition that affects the heart’s rhythm or blood flow. Brain tumours or swelling can put pressure on areas that control breathing and heartbeat, leading to repeated cardiac arrests. Infections like dengue or severe inflammation can also make the heart weak or cause dangerous rhythms.

Millena’s story is a reminder that sudden and severe symptoms in children, such as headaches, fainting, or trouble walking, should always be taken seriously. Early testing and treatment can sometimes make a difference, but in rare cases, even the best care may not be enough.

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Conclusion

Millena Brandão’s tragic passing reminds us how serious and sudden cardiac arrest can be in children. While rare, it often results from underlying health issues that need quick attention. Understanding the signs and seeking timely medical care can save lives. Her story highlights the importance of awareness about pediatric heart and brain health, encouraging parents and caregivers to act fast if a child shows unusual symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment remain crucial to giving children the best chance of recovery.