Heart disease is very hard and tough to manage when it affects adults, but it can be even more challenging in children. It is estimated that about 40,000 infants are born with a congenital heart disease or defect each year. And reports reveal that 3 to 5 million children globally are living with chronic rheumatic heart disease and more than 4000 children are diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, the commonest cause of acquired heart disease in children under 5 years, every year.

Several types of heart problems can affect children, which include congenital heart problems, viral infections that affect the heart, and heart disease acquired later in childhood due to certain illnesses or genetic conditions. However, with early intervention and the latest advancement in the field of medicine, many children with heart disease are given appropriate treatment and better quality of their life.

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Read this article to know about different types of heart disease that affect children.

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

Congenital heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease, children are born with heart defects at birth. It is estimated that about 1 per cent of babies born every year have CHD. It affects the children in several ways that include:

Heart valve disorders -narrowing of the aortic valve, that impedes the blood flow.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, where the left side of the heart is not completely developed.

Holes in the heart, usually in the walls between the chambers and major blood vessels leaving the heart, including:

• Ventricular septal defects
• Atrial septal defects
• Patent ductus arteriosus

Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a grouping of four defects, including:

• Hole in the ventricular septum
• Narrowed section between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery
• Thickened right side of the heart
• Displaced aorta

Congenital heart defects may have a long-term impact on a child’s overall health status. Surgery, catheter procedures, medication and heart transplants in complicated cases are some of the treatment options. Furthermore, some children may need lifelong continuous monitoring and follow-up treatment.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition where fat and cholesterol-filled plaques are accumulated inside the arteries. This makes arteries narrowed and stiffened, which increases the risk of blood clots and heart attacks. It usually takes several years for atherosclerosis to occur, and it’s unusual for children to suffer from it.

But obesity, type 1 diabetes, hypertension, and other health concerns can increase the child’s risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Healthcare providers suggest screening for high cholesterol and high blood pressure in children who have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, and diabetes and are obese. Lifestyle modifications like improved physical activity and developing healthy eating patterns are the primary treatment options.

Also Read: Congenital Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Arrhythmias

An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart, which makes the heart to pump blood less effectively. Several types of arrhythmias may develop in children, including:

• Tachycardia, the most common type found in children 
• Bradycardia
• Long Q-T syndrome
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW syndrome)

Weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, and problems eating are the common symptoms. Treatments usually depend on the type of arrhythmia and how it’s affecting the child’s overall health status.

Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that mainly affects children and can cause inflammation in the blood vessels in their hands, feet, mouth, lips and throat. It results in fever and swelling of the lymph nodes. However, the exact cause of this condition is still not clear. Reports reveal that Kawasaki is a major cause of heart problems in 1 in 4 children under the age of 5.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. It mostly comprises prompt treatment with intravenous gamma globulin or aspirin. Corticosteroids are prescribed to lessen future complications. Children also need life-long reviews and follow-ups to monitor heart health and functions.

Also Read: Electrocardiogram (ECG) Test: Procedure, Results And Risks

Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is a whooshing sound produced when blood circulates via the heart’s chambers or valves or via blood vessels near the heart. In most cases it’s harmless, but at times it may signal an underlying cardiovascular issue.

CHDs, fever or anaemia can result in heart murmurs. If a physician hears an abnormal heart murmur in a child, they may do additional tests to ensure the heart is healthy.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis develops when the thin membrane that surrounds the heart becomes inflamed or infected. The amount of fluid between its two layers increases, thereby impeding the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Pericarditis may develop after surgery to treat a CHD, or it may be caused by a bacterial infection, heart traumas or lupus. Generally, treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the child’s age and overall health status.

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Streptococcus bacteria that cause strep throat and scarlet fever if left untreated can also result in rheumatic heart disease. This condition can severely and permanently affect the heart valves and heart muscles. Rheumatic fever usually develops in children ages 5 to 15, but symptoms of rheumatic heart disease don’t exhibit up to 10 to 20 years after the illness. It can be effectively prevented by promptly treating strep throat with antibiotics.

Viral Infections

Viruses are known to cause respiratory illness or the flu but can also affect cardiac health. Viral infections can cause myocarditis that may impact the heart’s ability to pump blood well throughout the system. However, viral infections of the heart are very rare and may show few symptoms. When symptoms appear, they are quite similar to flu-like symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Medications are prescribed to lessen the symptoms of myocarditis.