Most of us don’t think children can have heart problems, but did you know that 2,000 children of all ages die each year from sudden cardiac arrest in the United States? It is responsible for up to 5% of all deaths in children from 5 to 19 years old. This is just one type of heart problem, and there are others. Read on to learn about the most common signs of heart problems in children and teens.
Causes of Heart Disease in Children
After Birth
There are several acquired heart diseases that can develop after birth.
- Rheumatic heart disease, caused by rheumatic fever, can permanently damage the heart valves. It most often affects school-age children. Worldwide, 3 to 5 million children have chronic rheumatic heart disease. It is the most serious consequence of rheumatic fever, which can result from bacteria associated with strep throat. It has become less common with improved treatments.
- Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children under 5 years old. It causes inflammation in the walls of arteries throughout the body, including those that supply blood to the heart. It can lead to a coronary artery aneurysm.
- Viral myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. It is one of the major causes of sudden cardiac arrest.
- Heart rhythm problems occur when the heart beats too fast, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. Tachycardia, which causes a fast heartbeat, is the most common rhythm problem found in children. It can also lead to sudden cardiac death.
Before Birth
Known as congenital heart defects, these conditions can begin developing during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. Approximately 40,000 babies are born with congenital heart disease or defects each year—about one in every 100 newborns. These defects can occur when the blood vessels near the heart do not develop properly.
Signs of Heart Problems in Children
Keep in mind that not all of the following symptoms are caused by heart problems in children. Some young children naturally sweat more, palpitations may result from too much caffeine, and dizziness can occur when they have not had enough fluids. Even so, parents should be aware of these potential warning signs.
Infants
In infants and babies, look for:
- Feeding difficulties
- Trouble gaining weight
- A bluish color around the lips, tongue, or nail beds
- Fast or rapid breathing
- Becoming tired while eating
- Sweating while feeding
Young Children
Watch for the following signs in young children:
- Passing out during physical activity
- Complaints of heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath while playing sports or being active
- Chest pain
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, rely on an experienced pediatric cardiologist like New Jersey Cardiology Associates (NJCA). Do not wait to have them evaluated.
Teens
The same applies to teens who experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. They may have already been screened, but if these signs develop, see New Jersey Cardiology Associates (NJCA) for a thorough examination.
Passing out, or syncope, can be a symptom of heart disease.
Always take note if your child is experiencing breathing problems and inform their primary care physician.
Yes, discovering that your child has a heart problem can be frightening. However, advances in medical science have improved life expectancy for children with heart conditions, allowing many of them to live long and healthy lives.
We’re happy to help: Call us today for a consultation! Reach our West Orange, NJ office at (973) 429-8333 or our Belleville, NJ office at (973) 731-9442. You can also learn more about our cardiologists on our website.