How Can Parents Spot Early Heart Problems in Children

1. How Can Parents Spot Early Heart Problems in Children? A child needs to have the right kind of heart in order to grow, develop, and face the world. Most children have healthy hearts that work perfectly well, although there are specific heart complications that may occur at birth (congenital) and acquired during the course of life. Herein lies the difficulty since heart problems in children are sometimes understated due to the fact that early signs of the problem are usually inconspicuous and may be misinterpreted as other inconsequential illnesses. The good part about it is that as a parent we can learn to recognize such early signs and this can make all the difference. Timely diagnosis offers timely therapy, faster recovery, and healthy future of your child. 1. Look for Unusual Fatigue or Weakness When your child becomes easily tired whenever carrying out an activity that the other children find easy, such as during play, climbing a staircase, or even taking a short journey; it is a possible indication that he/she has a heart problem. This exhaustion occurs due to the possibility of having an inefficient pumping of the heart resulting in low supply of oxygen to the body. 2. Monitor Breathing Patterns Such difficulties as quick, shallow breathing or the lack of breath during mild physical activities may be signals of the increased work of the heart. With babies, it can be seen in rapid breathing even during meal consumption or when asleep. 3. Pay Attention to Skin Color Changes Bluish lips, tongue or fingertips (called cyanosis) could be an indication of low oxygen in the blood. The pale or grish like skin color is also an early behavior that proves that the heart is not in its optimum functioning. 4. Note Any Swelling Edema in the legs, around the ankles or feet or even around eyes may in certain instances be attributed to heart issues. It happens when the body is unable to effectively distribute the blood because the heart works hard and fluid accumulates in the tissues. 5. Observe Feeding and Growth in Infants

2. Babies experiencing heart problems may find feeding difficult, are slow to feed and/or sweat profusely during a meal or may lose or not gain weight normally. The neglect of reaching adequate oxygen and nutrients to the body due to decreased cardiac efficiency is often detected as one of the causes of growth delay. 6. Listen to Persistent Cough or Wheezing Persistent coughing or wheezing particularly when in a supine position indicates that the lungs are retaining fluids due to a heart ailment. 7. Watch for Chest Pain or Palpitations Although they are uncommon in children below 10 years, teenagers and other older children can also complain of pains centered on their chest or fluttering of the heart, or pounding heartbeats. These must never be overlooked even when they appear to be rare. What to Do if You Notice These Signs Provided that you notice some of the symptoms mentioned above, you should resort to professional medical help. A consultation with a Heart Specialist for Children in Chandigarh can provide a thorough evaluation and, if needed, advanced diagnostic tests to rule out or confirm a heart problem. For more serious or surgical cases, seek expertise ensure that your child receives expert care from a specialist trained to handle delicate pediatric cardiac procedures. Why Early Detection Matters  Improved Treatment Results: A variety of heart issues can be treated enhanced in case they are caught in the initial stages.  Better Quality of Life: Early measures can assist the children to lead active and healthy lives.  Prevention of Complications: The early identification of problems lowers the chances of heart- or other organ-destructive long-term outcomes. Tips for Parents to Keep Their Child’s Heart Healthy  Promote physical activities age appropriate and capability appropriate.  Avoid the lack of balanced diet; have plenty of fruits, vegetable, whole grains, and lean proteins.  Restrict processed food and snack foods.  Get a normal health check-up especially when family history of heart disease is prevalent.  Always be on watch in case your child becomes less active, stops growing or suffers any kind of adverse health. When there is something to worry about then do not hesitate and consult the Best Heart Surgeon in Mohali. Early examination by a pediatric heart specialist will ease your mind and get your child on the road to recovery should it be required.

3. Final Thoughts Problems like heart diseases in children are difficult to detect at early stages necessitating awareness and sensitivity to any slight alterations in the health of a child. This is because as a parent; you are the first line of defense to your child; what you observe can be a lifesaver. Remember, a healthy heart in childhood lays the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. Contact Us: Ab Heartcare Address: Indus International Hospital, Derabassi Near Jawaharpur, Chandigarh – Ambala Road, National Highway No.22, Derabassi, MOHALI, Punjab 140507 Phone Number: +918906907907 Website: www.abheartcare.com Email: abheartcare@gmail.com