Understanding Pediatric Heart Disease
As adults, we often believe that cardiologists visit them only adults who deal with coronary artery disease, diabetes or other such diseases.
However, pediatric heart disease can also occur. According to numerous studies, one in 100 children suffers from a heart problem.
While some of these problems exist at birth, others develop when a child matures in adolescent years.
Congenital heart defects
Congenital heart defects are abnormalities in the normal heart structure and function that change the way blood passes through the heart and into the rest of the body.
There are many types of congenital heart defects, while some are mild, such as a small hole in the heart, others are more severe and can pose a threat to the child’s survival.
Often, such defects are detected during pregnancy by ultrasound, but other defects are not detected until after birth, or even adulthood.
Children with excess drowsiness, nails or bluish lips and rapid or disturbed breathing are suspected of having a congenital heart defect and undergo several tests to confirm diagnosis.
Many different types of pediatric heart disease, can include:
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart infections
- Heart disease acquired in childhood due to genetic diseases or syndromes
The good news is that with treatment, many children and adolescents with heart disease continue to live an active and full life.
Types of Pediatric Heart Diseases
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease is a type of pediatric heart disease by which it is born. It is caused by heart defects present at birth.
They are mainly problems with coronary arteries, which include:
- Heart valve disorders such as aortic valve narrowing, limiting blood flow.
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, where the left side of the heart is different.
Disorders involving holes in the heart, usually in the walls between rooms and between the main blood vessels emerging from the heart, including:
- Ventricular septal defects
- Atrial septal defects
- Ductus arteriosus patentalis
- The Fallot quartet
It is a combination of four disadvantages, including:
- Perforation of the ventricular septum
- A narrow passage between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
- Thick right side of the heart
- Displaced aorta
Congenital heart defects may have long-term effects on your health. They are usually treated with surgery, catheter procedures, medications and, in severe cases, heart transplants.
Some people with coronary artery disease will need lifelong monitoring and treatment.
Atherosclerosis of the arteries
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaques filled with fat and cholesterol accumulate inside the arteries.
With increased accumulation, the arteries become stiff and narrow, which increases the risk of blood clots and heart attacks.
It usually takes many years for atherosclerosis to develop.
While it is not common for children or adolescents to experience symptoms from it, some evidence suggests a reliable source that the disease may begin in childhood.
Certain health problems and other factors may increase the risk. These can include:
- Overweight (obesity)
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure
- Genetic factors
- Metabolic syndrome
Doctors check all children for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Doctors may screen children with certain risk factors early on. Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes such as increased exercise and dietary adjustments.
Arrhythmia of the heart
Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. It can cause the heart to pump less efficiently. Many different types of arrhythmias may occur in children, including:
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia), the most common type found in children is supraventricular tachycardia.
- Slow heart rate (slow heart)
- Long QT syndrome
- Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome (PW syndrome)
Symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Difficulty feeding
Treatments depend on the type of arrhythmia and how it affects the child’s health.
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare disease of Pediatric Heart Disease affects children under 5 years of age. Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause in:
- Arteries of the heart
- Hands
- Feet
- The mouth
- Lips
- Throat
It also results in fever and swelling of the lymph nodes. But researchers are not yet sure of its causes.
Treatment depends on the extent of the disease but often involves immediate treatment with:
- Intravenous gamma globulin
- Aspirin , if recommended by a doctor
- Corticosteroids, which may reduce future complications
Children with Kawasaki disease often need lifelong follow-up appointments to monitor their heart health.
Heart murmurs
A heart murmur is a sound made by blood circulation through the heart chambers or valves, or through blood vessels near the heart. It is often harmless. Other times it may indicate an underlying cardiovascular problem.
Heart murmurs may develop due to:
- Fever
- Anemia
If the doctor hears an abnormal heart puff in the child, he will perform additional tests on the heart. Usually
Pericardial fluid
This condition occurs when the thin sac or membrane surrounding the heart (tamur) becomes inflamed. The amount of fluid increases between two layers, weakening the heart’s ability to pump blood in the way it should.
Pericarditis has several different causes. These can include:
- Surgery to repair coronary arterial diseases.
- Bacterial infections, viral infections, or fungal infections
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
Treatments depend on the severity of the disease, age, and general health.
Rheumatic Pediatric Heart Disease
Infections with streptococcal bacteria from group A that cause sore throats and scarlet fever can cause rheumatic heart disease. This disease can permanently damage heart valves and heart muscle by causing myocarditis, known as myocarditis.
Rheumatic fever usually occurs in children aged between 5 and 15 years, but usually rheumatic heart disease does not appear until puberty. Rheumatic fever and subsequent rheumatic heart disease are the most reliable chiropractor in developing countries.
This disease can be prevented by treating sore throats with antibiotics immediately.
Infection
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can cause myocarditis, which can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.
Heart infections are rare and may have few symptoms. When symptoms appear, they resemble flu-like symptoms and can include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Discomfort in the chest
Treatment usually includes medications and treatments for symptoms of myocarditis.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Pediatric Heart Disease?
The most common pediatric heart disease include congenital heart disease and acquired heart disease, such as Kawasaki disease.
How can you know if your child has heart problems?
A child or adolescent may show some indicators of heart problems, such as difficulty gaining weight, shortness of breath during activity, heart palpitations, fainting during activity.
What is the most common cause of Pediatric Heart Disease and adolescents?
The most common cause of pediatric heart disease is a congenital heart defect, which is a heart problem that was present at birth.
What are acquired Pediatric Heart Disease?
Children and adolescents can develop heart disease due to certain health problems, including Kawasaki disease, rheumatic fever, bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, and trauma.
Some types of pediatric heart disease may be present at birth, while others may develop due to infection or other health problems. In some cases, prompt treatment can solve diseases that cause heart disease.
In other cases, children or adolescents may need lifelong monitoring and care.
