These heart conditions can be present from birth or develop during childhood, which has an impact on the health of young.
Recognizing signs of alert of heart problems in children is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment in a timely time. As parents and caregivers, being informed of these indicators can make a difference in the life of a child. In this article, we will explore the key signs that must be monitored and when it is time to consult specialized medical care.
Characteristics and symptoms of children’s heart disease
Heart heart disease encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. These can be congenital, that is to say present from birth or acquired during childhood. Congenital cardiac diseases are the most common form of heart disease in children, being more frequent congenital cardiac communication in children.
Recognition of symptoms of heart disease in children may be difficult, as some signs may be confused with other less serious conditions. However, Some indicators deserve immediate attention:
- Difficulty breathing or breathing quickly
- Bluish color on the lips, tongue or nails (cyanosis)
- Unusual fatigue or excessive fatigue
- Frequent fainting or dizziness
- Chest pain
- Accelerated irregular heart rate
- Growth retardation or difficulty gaining weight
In addition to these obvious signs, there are more subtle symptoms that can also indicate heart problems. These include excessive sweating during babies, inexplicable irritability, lack of appetite or difficulty feeding.
Heart disease in children beyond congenital heart disease
Although congenital heart disease is the most common heart disease in children, there are other cardiac conditions that can develop after birth. These less frequent diseases can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of affected children. Some of these conditions include:
- Myocarditis: This disease is characterized by inflammation of the cardiac muscle (myocardium), generally caused by a viral infection. Myocarditis can cause weakness of heart muscles, arrhythmias and, in serious cases, heart failure.
- Arrhythmia: Arrhythmias are alterations of heart rate that can make the heart too fast, too slow or irregularly. Although some arrhythmias can be benign, others can be potentially serious and require medical treatment.
- Kawasaki disease: This inflammatory disease mainly affects young children and can cause inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, including coronary arteries. If it is not correctly, Kawasaki’s disease can cause serious heart complications, such as aneurysms of coronary arteries.
- Rheumatic fever: This inflammatory disease can occur after a group infection of the group has not treated properly. Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation of the heart, joints, brain and skin. Otherwise, this can cause permanent damage to heart valves, called rheumatic heart disease.
Diagnosis and treatment of heart disease of children
It is important that parents and caregivers are attentive to the signs and symptoms of these heart diseases in children. If one of these conditions is suspected, it is essential to consult immediate medical care for adequate diagnosis and treatment. Regular monitoring of heart health and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle from an early age can help prevent or minimize the impact of these children’s life diseases.
He Pediatric center of the ABC medical center He has a multidisciplinary team of experts in pediatric cardiology, dedicated to the supply of exhaustive evaluations and advanced treatments for children with heart problems. The diagnostic process may include:
- Complete physical examination: Pediatric cardiologists assess the general health of the child, paying particular attention to signs of cardiac problems, such as abnormal heart blows or rhythms.
- Echocardiogram: This non -invasive test uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess their structure and operation.
- Electrocardiogra (ECG): This study records the electrical activity of the heart, helping to detect arrhythmias and other driving problems.
- Effort tests: These tests evaluate the response from the heart to the exercise, which can help identify the problems that may not be obvious to rest.
- Chest x -rays: Thorax X -ray images can show the size and shape of the heart, as well as the presence of liquid in the lungs.
Once a heart disease is diagnosed, The HEART pediatric center team will develop a personalized treatment plan adapted to the specific needs of each child. The processing options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition and may include:
- Drugs to control symptoms, regulate heart rate and prevent complications
- Mini-invasive interventionist procedures to repair cardiac malformations
- Heart surgery to correct structural problems or replace damaged valves
- Heart rehabilitation therapy to help children recover after surgery or intervention
Remember that the heart health of a child is a joint effort between parents, pediatricians and specialists. Do not hesitate to consult health professionals if you have concerns about the heart of your child. Early can make a difference in the prognosis and quality of life of children with heart problems.
