Heart Disease in Children: Insights from KTTB – BRTK
Heart diseases in children are a serious concern for parents and healthcare professionals alike. According to the Turkish Cypriot Medical Association, Child Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Zeynep Cerit, it is essential to raise healthy children, have regular check-ups, and trust pediatricians to protect them.
Different from adult heart diseases, heart diseases in children can be broadly categorized as congenital or acquired. While some congenital heart diseases can be diagnosed in the early stages of life, others may develop later with different symptoms. Most heart diseases seen in childhood are congenital, with conditions such as narrowing of coronary arteries being rare in children.
Symptoms of heart diseases in children vary with age, with complaints such as sweating, difficulty in feeding, difficulty in breathing, frequent respiratory infections, fainting, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue being signs of potential heart issues. Diagnostic tests such as ECG, echocardiography, and cardiac angiography are commonly used to confirm heart disease in children.
Early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in children are crucial to prevent complications. By detecting specific findings during periodic check-ups, pediatricians can identify potential heart issues in children. Children with hereditary heart disease are at a higher risk of developing heart issues, emphasizing the importance of genetic predisposition in heart diseases.
With proper prenatal care, including fetal echocardiography in at-risk pregnancies, parents can take proactive steps to protect their children’s heart health. It is vital to raise healthy children, trust pediatricians for guidance, and prioritize cardiac evaluations within the first six months of life to ensure the well-being of children with heart diseases.
