Recognizing Heart Problems in Children: A Guide for Parents

Every 5 minutes, ten children around the world are born with congenital heart disease; this means nearly 1.3 million little hearts every year. And this is a worrying sign that requires immediate attention and awareness. 

Children are now facing both congenital heart diseases, like atrial or ventricular septal defects, and acquired heart conditions like rheumatic heart disease. Recognizing these heart problems early in children has become more crucial than ever before to give them the best chance at a healthy and active life. That’s why you need to consult a Pediatric cardiologist near you if you observe symptoms in kids like fast or rapid breathing, difficulty breathing even while resting, or tiring easily while eating.

How Do I Know If My Child Has A Heart Problem?

To recognize heart issues, you need to closely observe the following symptoms of heart disease in children.

1. Feeling short of breath & getting tired quickly

The heart may pump insufficient blood and oxygen. This can cause the child to get tired quickly, even during mild activities or feeding in infants.

2. Lips, tongue, or nails appearing blue or grayish (cyanosis)

A heart defect affecting blood flow can cause low oxygen levels in the blood. This can cause a bluish or grayish color of lips, tongue, or nails (also known as cyanosis).

3. Quick breathing or trouble breathing

The heart or lungs may be finding it difficult to function properly due to any condition. This can cause the child to breathe faster to get sufficient oxygen.

4. Poor feeding or sweating during feeding in infants

Weak heart function in children can make feeding tiring. This can cause extra sweating in kids due to the stress on their bodies.

5. Palpitations of the heart or abnormal heartbeat

Abnormal heart rhythms lead to children feeling as if their heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats.

6. Pain in the chest & feeling dizzy

It is less common in children than in adults; these symptoms can signal heart problems during activity.

7. Swelling in the body parts

Heart failure can lead to fluid buildup, which can cause swelling in areas like the legs, belly, or around the eyes.

8. Fainting or passing

If a kid faints or passes out, especially with exercise. This may indicate insufficient blood flow or oxygen during any kind of physical exertion.

If these symptoms appear, this indicates it's time to see a Pediatric cardiologist near you.

Note: Symptoms of heart conditions in children can vary and could overlap with other common childhood illnesses. Consult a qualified doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause and a proper treatment based on careful evaluation and tests.

How to Contact the Best Pediatric Cardiologist Near Me

To contact the best children's heart doctor, you can consider the following points:

• Search online healthcare platforms such as Practo, Justdial, or Apollo 24|7. These platforms will help you screen top-rated pediatric cardiologists. You can also check crucial information like reviews, fees, and appointment options.
• Directly visit hospital websites like Artemis Cardiac Care to find contact details for pediatric cardiology departments. You can book appointments directly by calling at +91 9070902010.
• You can opt for teleconsultation services from reputable hospitals to get the right expert advice remotely. This option is helpful when in-person visits are difficult.
• Always consider a look at the cardiologist’s experience, subspecialty, hospital affiliations, and patient feedback prior to booking a consultation.

Conclusion

Let’s move beyond the myth that older adults are affected by heart disease; it affects children, too. That's why, as a parent, you need to be aware of pediatric heart conditions so that you can recognize symptoms early. And contact a pediatric cardiologist in time so that you can ensure the right treatment and healthier outcomes for your child’s heart and overall health.

FAQs

Q1: What are the signs of heart failure in children?
A: Signs of heart failure in older children may include:

• Cough
• Fatigue, weakness
• Faintness
• Loss of appetite
• Need to urinate at night
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Waking up from sleep after a couple of hours because of shortness of breath
• Weight gain

Symptoms of heart failure in infants may include rapid breathing or breathing that appears to take more effort, a fast or strong heartbeat, and improper weight gain

Q2: What is the most common heart disease in children?
A: The most common heart disease in children is congenital heart disease, which is a structural problem or defect like holes in the heart (atrial or ventricular septal defects).

Kawasaki disease and rheumatic heart disease are the most common acquired heart diseases in children.

Q3: Can a 5 year old have heart disease?
A: Yes, a 5-year-old can have heart disease; these can be congenital or acquired heart conditions that can be diagnosed at any age, including early childhood.