About this topic
Heart failure happens when the heart has trouble pumping the right amount of blood through the body. When the pump is not working well, blood can back up into the lungs or cause swelling in the legs or other parts of the body. ‚
Heart failure is a long-term problem which may get worse over time. Doctors work hard to treat heart failure in order to keep it from getting worse. ‚
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What are the causes?
Heart failure in children has a few main causes. Some children are born with a problem with their heart. Sometimes, the heart muscle is weak or damaged. The heart may beat in an unusual rhythm. These can all cause heart failure. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Your child is more likely to have heart failure if they were born with a heart defect. Having certain viruses can also affect your childs heart. Some long-term diseases like kidney disease or breathing problems can also raise your child's chance for problems with their heart. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Fast breathing or feeling short of breath
- Sweating
- Poor feeding, taking longer to eat, or not feeling hungry
- Swelling of feet, hands, or around the eyes
- Feeling tired, weak, or have no energy
- Wheezing or a cough that wont go away
- Belly pain
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Blue color around the eyes or mouth
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your childs history and will do an exam. The doctor may also feel your child's belly for soreness or liver swelling. The doctor will look for swelling in other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, and face. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Chest x-ray
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will treat your childs heart failure based on what is causing the problem. Treating these problems may help make your child feel better. It may keep your child's heart failure from getting worse. The doctor may suggest: ‚
- Lifestyle changes to slow down progress of the illness
- Devices like a heart pump
- Surgery to fix a heart defect
What lifestyle changes are needed?
You may have to limit your childs activity. Talk to your doctor about the right level of activity for your child. Ask when your child may go back to school or daycare. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Do not give your child any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, or herbals without asking the doctor. ‚
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure. These are ACE inhibitors.
- Block some chemicals in the body to improve a weak heart. These are beta blockers.
- Help the heart beat stronger and better
- Get rid of extra salt and water in the body. These are diuretics.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Ask your doctor what kind of diet is best for your child. The doctor may tell you to limit the salt and fat in your childs diet. You may have to limit how much fluid your child drinks.
- Some children need to take in extra calories to help them gain weight.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/TheImpactofCongenitalHeartDefects/:%2520Heart-Failure-in-Children-and-Adolescents_UCM_311919_Article.jsp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚