Three Heart Issues In Children Symptoms Every Parent Should Be Aware Of

There are many things to remember when raising children, such as dentist appointments, recitals, wellness checkups, soccer practice, and so on. The list is endless and is never prioritized in your memory in order of importance.

Then there are the items that are on the list whether or not you are aware of them, such as the heart health of your child. You wish and may even presume that your child's heart is in excellent condition, but how can you tell if it is or is not?

The director of pediatric cardiology at Boston University School of Medicine, Dr. Sharon E. O'Brien, said that fortunately, you don't have to face this challenge alone. Congenital heart disease detection is one of the reasons pregnant women get a fetal screen ultrasound, according to her. These screenings are capable of identifying between 65% and 95% of congenital cardiac diseases, depending on the ultrasound technology used and the test's sensitivity.

However, not all cardiac conditions develop in utero. These are referred to be acquired cardiac conditions, according to O'Brien, and they don't manifest until early infancy or later. Here are several warning signs that your child may have cardiac problems. Additionally, some suggestions on what you can do to support your child's heart health so they don't develop a problem as adults.

Unhealthy weight gain and excessive sweating

No of the weather, if you notice your child perspiring a lot, that could be a symptom of a cardiac problem. Pediatric cardiologist at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, Dr. Achiau Ludormirsky, emphasized the need of paying close attention to neonates who exhibit this behavior.

"There should be concern if there is extreme perspiration, where you have to change their clothes every two to three hours," he said.

In example, if infants fall asleep on the breast or bottle shortly after they begin eating, preventing them from consuming the necessary amount of calories, Ludormirsky stated that delayed weight gain due to improper feeding may also be a concern.

In addition, he added, "you might see the infant huffing and puffing for a while after feeding, which is clinically known as tachypnea, or a high respiratory rate."

All of these signs and symptoms, together with a rapid heartbeat (known as tachycardia), could indicate intracardiac shunting, aberrant blood flow channels that put the heart under too much volume and pressure.

chest pain (and other funny feelings)

When youngsters begin to voice the same complaint that raises red flags for adults when it comes to their hearts, it might be concerning. Just remember that children could show this sadness differently than adults do.

It can be challenging for younger children to understand what is happening, according to O'Brien. While it's common for heart rates to vary depending on what we're doing, such as sleeping versus running, there are instances when fast heartbeats are not necessary.

Pay attention to other symptoms including exercise intolerance, being unable to keep up with their pals, and constant exhaustion, as well as chest "pain" that may actually be pain or palpitations (i.e., a child that always must be carried through the grocery store when peers their age walk without difficulty).

According to O'Brien, "if your child has fainted, that's a significant red flag that needs quick evaluation."

In addition to chest pain, notice if any corresponding symptoms come up in young kids, such as fever or rash. “This could be Kawasaki disease, which can cause inflammation in the coronary arteries and requires treatment,” O’Brien said.

Family history

According to Ludormirsky, hypercholesterolemia can run in families in some situations. "This has a cholesterol level of 600 or above. To assist prevent early coronary heart disease in these situations, it's always preferable to set up the child with a cardiologist.

It's best, according to O'Brien, to let your physician know if you have a family history of young-onset heart disease, the need for a pacemaker, or any other cardiac conditions so they can make an informed decision.

How to prevent heart disease in kids

Congenital problems and acquired problems are the two main categories that experts use to describe and evaluate heart disease in children. However, there is a third category—preventative—according to Dr. Carissa Baker-Smith, the American Heart Association's volunteer expert and director of the pediatric preventive cardiology program at Nemours Children's Health in Wilmington, Delaware.

"We frequently think that conditions like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke only affect adults when we talk about heart disease and adulthood. But if we don't take the right preventative steps, these problems can start as early as childhood," she noted.

In order to safeguard your child's heart health and recognize early warning symptoms, Baker-Smith suggested the following measures:

Recognize when a child's weight is out of proportion to their height. Keep track of your child's wellness appointments since your pediatrician will record them in their growth record. Overweight is defined as having a body mass index above 85%, and obesity is defined as having a body mass index over 95%.

Moving with joy is crucial. Encourage your children to move around the house, even when the weather isn't on your side. Anything that gets them off the couch and moving is acceptable, including a game of Twister, helping you clean, and filming funny TikTok videos.

Food balance is important. Make an effort to include as many fruits and veggies in their diet as you can. Frozen is a healthier alternative to fresh when fresh is not an option. (However, avoid canned fruits and vegetables because they are high in salt and sugar.)

Control your portion sizes. Serving meals to children on salad plates is a simple method to achieve this. They don't yet need to consume as much as adults do, and they shouldn't either.