Recognizing Heart Conditions in Children

Recognizing Heart Conditions

IN CHILDREN

By Dr. Nancy Dobrolet

Advances in medicine have allowed for earlier detection of serious conditions in children, often times detected well before birth. Still, some children live and thrive with an undetected heart condition.

“Congenital heart defects are often identified while a child is still developing inside the mother or immediately after birth,” said Dr. Nancy Dobrolet, a board-certified pediatric cardiologist with The Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children’s. “Unfortunately, some heart conditions are more difficult to detect during a newborn physical. Therefore, parents should watch for signs and symptoms of a heart condition and report any observations to their child’s doctor,” she said.

Congenital heart conditions can vary. These include holes within the heart, malfunctioning heart valves or irregularities with blood vessels. Most can be treated with less invasive methods such as cardiac catheterization as well as surgical measures at hospitals that specialize in congenital heart conditions, such as Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

With the help of pediatricians and pediatric specialists, parents can help identify potential health issues in their growing children. Here are some important warning signs to keep in mind.

Babies with a heart condition may:

• Become short of breath or sweaty when feeding • Develop a blue tint to the gums, tongue and extremities • Shows signs of failure to thrive (not gaining weight as expected) • Sleep more often than expected

Signs of Heart Trouble in Toddlers and Young Children

• Gets winded during activity sooner than other children • Perspires more than other children during activity • Turns blue around the gums or tongue • Faints

Older Children and Teens

For older children and teens, parents should watch for the same symptoms as younger children (above) as well as: • Dizziness or fainting with exercise • Chest pain with exercise • Exercise intolerance or early fatigue

All children who exhibit some of these symptoms may not have heart conditions. For example, some children simply perspire more than others do. And dizziness may be an indication that your child isn’t drinking enough fluids. Nonetheless, families should report these signs to their child’s pediatrician so that any symptoms can be fully evaluated. ▸ Dr. Nancy Dobrolet is a board-certified pediatric cardiologist with the Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. She has more than 22 years of experience in providing cardiac care to children and young adults. Dr.

Dobrolet provides comprehensive pediatric cardiology care at the Nicklaus Children’s Dan

Marino Outpatient Center, located in Weston. ▸ Dr. Nancy Dobrolet offers *same day and next day appointments at: Nicklaus Children’s

Dan Marino Outpatient Center - 2900 S.

Commerce Parkway, Weston, FL 33331 954-217-6300 www.Nicklauschildrens.org/Heart

*Subject to insurance approval and authorization

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