Symptoms and signs of heart conditions relate to the type and severity. Some children have no obvious symptoms or signs, while others may show many. That’s one reason it’s crucial for your child to see his pediatrician regularly for basic checkups. If you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
* Chest pain. Discomfort or pain in the chest area when exercising or at times of stress and anxiety. Chest pain is a very common indicator of heart attack.
* Shortness of breath. Excessive huffing or puffing after an average amount of exertion. Most children are active, and a little heavy breathing is normal. But you know your child better than anybody, so watch for unusual heavy breathing patterns.
* Blue discoloration of skin. See “cyanosis” below.
* Passing out. If the heart is weakened, this could happen during exertion or stressful situations. Be particularly attuned if your child complains of feeling dizzy, seeing stars, having trouble focusing, or feeling like he is spinning or seeing double.
* Lack of interest in food. Before deciding if your child’s disinterest in food requires a call to the doctor, take into account his or her likes and dislikes and normal eating patterns. Most children are predictable eaters, even if that means predictably unpredictable. Watch for obvious, unusual changes in your child’s appetite.
* Stunted growth. Monitor your child’s physical development regularly to determine if growth is substantially below the norm. Check it here.
* Lethargy. As with eating patterns, be aware of your child’s usual energy cycles and watch for an increase in sleepiness, disinterest, and general apathy.
* Sweating after eating. This is common in many forms of heart disease when the body is expending too much energy during the digestive process.
Young children are not always able to articulate what’s bothering them. This is why it’s so important for you as a parent to understand your child’s normal rhythms and behavior. With increased awareness, you may be able to spot early signs of heart disease long before your child clearly indicates that something is wrong.