Heart Failure Symptoms in Infants and Children
Parents Alerted to Visual Signs of Cardiac Health Problems in Kids
Aug 27, 2009
Heart failure is the heart's inability to efficiently pump blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. Causes of heart failure vary widely from infants to adults. Babies and young children that present no remarkable symptoms can go undiagnosed until physical symptoms begin to appear. Visual symptoms of heart failure in infants and young children may be noticed first by parents, teachers, and persons caring for the child.
Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest) or that there is blockage to a coronary artery (heart attack). In adults, heart disease caused by diabetes, smoking, obesity, and drug use may ultimately result in heart failure. Common causes of heart failure incidents among infants and children include genetics, heart defects at birth, diseases that can cause damage to the heart, and infection. Heart failure at any age can occur in the left side of the heart, the right side, or in both sides.
Understanding the Causes and Treatment of Heart Failure in Pediatric Patients
Congestive heart failure in babies can occur in two situations. The first situation presents as a structural problem to the heart, meaning the heart pumps well, but the blood flow is inadequate. For example, a hole between the heart's chambers or faulty connections between certain blood vessels can cause too much blood to go into the lungs. According to the website, Cincinnati Children's, in an article referring to congestive heart failure, "Signs and Symptoms" (no author given, 2006), "... blood that has already returned from the lungs filled with oxygen to the heart actually ends up back in the lungs then back in the heart again."
In the second situation of infant heart failure the heart muscle is not strong enough to pump a normal amount of blood. Structures on the left side of the heart are too small or may be so narrow they cause blood to back up into the lungs. Weakening of the heart muscle can also be caused by infection or disease, such as cardiomyopathy. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy may be severe, mild, or may not appear at all. A condition that goes undetected may not appear until the child becomes older.
The Mayo Clinic website offers a page titled "Cardiomyopathy" (supplied by the Mayo Clinic Staff, 2008). The author defines the disease as well as provides information on causes and treatment, stating, "Cardiomyopathy can be treated. The type of treatment you'll receive depends on which type of cardiomyopathy you have and how serious it is." And referring to the Mayo Clinic website article, "Pediatric Heart Care at Mayo Clinic," the staff authors state, "Each year, Mayo Clinic heart specialists treat 5,000 to 6,000 children and adolescents for congenital (present at birth) heart problems. Mayo's heart surgeons perform more than 550 operations annually to repair congenital heart defects."
Heart Failure Symptoms that May Alert Parents to Infant or Child Cardiac Problems
A diagnosis of pediatric heart failure must be determined by a qualified physician. However, there are outward signs that parents can detect – that may coincide with the instinctive feeling that something is not right with their baby or young child.
Poor growth and the inability to thrive dominate the primary symptoms of heart failure in infants. Other symptoms that may cause parents and caregivers to suspect a cardiac problem:
- Difficulty eating
- Sweating while eating due to the exhaustive labor involved
- Excessive sleeping from constant fatigue
- Labored breathing due to build-up of fluid in the lungs
- Rapid breathing
Symptoms that appear in older children are shown below. Note that these symptoms are general and can apply to many medical conditions. If these or any other symptoms persist or worsen, it's always advisable to see a doctor. Be aware if the older child consistently shows:
- Inability to tolerate exercise
- Shortness of breath and the need to rest frequently
- Lack of energy
- Swelling and puffiness due to fluid retention
Heart failure is a progressive condition that can worsen over time if left untreated. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and the extent of the muscle damage. Drug therapy, surgery, and physical therapy are just three modes of treatment available to correct many of the conditions associated with infant and child heart failure.
Parents who suspect an infant or child may have a cardiac problem (or any other medical problem) should not hesitate to voice their concern – repeatedly if necessary, until they are heard. Careful monitoring of any unusual behaviors can assist the pediatric medical staff in making a swift, accurate diagnosis. Additionally, parents who get involved in their child's heath care, and who try to gain an understanding of any diagnosed condition, can reduce at least some of the anxiety and fear that comes with having a sick child.
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