Pediatric Heart Disease in Children

Pediatric heart disease refers to any issues that have got to do with the heart when it comes to infants, children and adolescents. These issues can be present at birth or a child can develop it as they grow. Early detection and proper treatment go a long way in helping with treatment and recovery when it comes to heart issues. 

What Is Pediatric Heart Disease?

Pediatric heart disease is a group of heart disease that affects children, these diseases can either be present since birth, known as congenital, or it could also happen as a child grows, which is known as acquired. Pediatric heart disease is different from the heart diseases that adults get due to the fact that a child’s heart is still growing and it's not yet fully formed. To manage these unique conditions, healthcare professionals like pediatric cardiologists are required, as they specialize heart diseases that have to do with children. 

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

During fetal development a child’s blood vessel or heart may go through structural issues, these can then lead to congenital heart disease or CHD. CHD is one of the most common birth defects, going as high as affecting 1 in every 100 newborn. The severity of each individual condition is also different, as they can range from minor issues to life threatening diseases. Examples of CHD include: 

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): a hole between the upper chambers of the heart
   
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): a hole between the lower chambers
   
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): a blood vessel that fails to close after birth
   
• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): a complex condition involving four heart abnormalities
   
• Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA): major blood vessels are reversed

Some defects can close on their own over time, others require medications, catheter-based procedures, or surgery soon after birth. Early detection is essential as this can lead to healthcare professionals coming up with a treatment plan that can tackle the issue early before it gets worse. 

Acquired Heart Disease

Acquired heart diseases form after birth, and usually have to do with the child’s immune related conditions or infections. As with CHD, detecting acquired heart diseases early can go a long way in positive outcomes. Here are a few examples of Acquired Heart Diseases:  

• Kawasaki disease: inflammation of blood vessels that can affect coronary arteries
   
• Rheumatic heart disease: damage caused by untreated streptococcal throat infections
   
• Myocarditis: inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to viral infections
   
• Cardiomyopathy: weakening or thickening of the heart muscle that affects pumping ability

Common Symptoms of Heart Disease in Children

The type of heart condition and a child’s age dictates the symptoms that a child may go through if diagnosed with a pediatric heart disease. Early signs may be subtle and could be overlooked, hence the importance of routine check-ups. Here are a few symptoms to look out for: Difficulty breathing especially after physical activities or during feeding. Next, poor weight gain or delayed growths in infants are another symptom. Parents can also be on the look out for excessive sweating, especially during feeding. Cyanosis, the blueing of the lip, tongue or fingertips; is another symptom that can point to a pediatric heart issue. Heart murmurs noticed by healthcare professionals during check-up, and chest pain particularly in older children are other symptoms to look out for. Lastly, the swelling of legs, abdomen or around the eye are also symptoms that can point towards heart issues in a child. 

If these symptoms are present, one should immediately seek help from a healthcare professional. 

(Disclaimer: Symptoms can vary from child to child, it's important to go for routine check-ups to make sure the child’s heart is fine) 

Diagnostic Process at Vibhavadi Hospital

Vibhavadi Hospital has a team of experienced pediatricians and doctors that specialize in pediatric heart diseases. The hospital has a comprehensive approach to child healthcare, with a section of the hospital dedicated just to pediatric issues. Here are a few diagnostic tools used: 

• Diagnostic tools to explain briefly:
   
  • Physical examination to detect murmurs or breathing abnormalities
     
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm
     
  • Echocardiogram to visualize heart structure and function
     
  • Chest X-ray to assess heart size and lungs
     
  • Cardiac MRI or CT scan for detailed imaging
     
  • Pulse oximetry to measure blood oxygen levels
     
  • Cardiac catheterization for complex diagnostic or therapeutic cases

Treatment Options for Pediatric Heart Disease

When it comes to pediatric heart diseases the treatment depends on the severity of the issue itself. Some children may require just monitoring but others could require medication or at times even surgery. 

Medications

Diuretics may be given to reduce fluid build-up, Beta-Blockers or ACE inhibitors are given to improve the function of the heart. In some cases if a child forms myocarditis or Kawasaki Disease, doctors may prescribe them with anti-inflammatory medications, or in select cases medications include anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.  

Catheter-Based Interventions

This is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed through blood vessels, it can be used to close ASDs or PDAs, the diseases listed above in this article, and it can be done without open surgery. 

Cardiac Surgery

In some cases open heart surgery is required, this is done through pediatric cardiologists and surgeons teaming up to solve the issue. WIth the exponential growth of modern medicine in today’s world the surgery is considered safer than back in the days. 

(Disclaimer: All surgeries come with a risk and recovery depends on the individual's lifestyle, physicality and immune system.)

Long-Term Monitoring and Rehabilitation at Vibhavadi Hospital

Many children may require life-long routine checkups once they are diagnosed with a heart condition. It is essential to monitor the child’s growth, heart condition and their development. Vibhavadi Hospital provides services such as cardiac rehabilitation, nutritional guidance and family counseling.