As carers, parents, or guardians, nothing is more important to us than ensuring the health and well-being of our children. Among the many health concerns we face, one area that often causes significant worry is our children's heart health. Dealing with paediatric heart issues can be daunting, but with the right understanding and timely intervention, many conditions can be effectively managed or treated.
Here at Choithram Memorial Hospita, our commitment is to promote paediatric heart health and provide compassionate care to children with heart conditions. In this blog, we aim to explore common paediatric heart health issues, their causes, and the treatments available. Our goal is to equip parents and carers with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate their child's health journey with assurance.
Paediatric heart conditions encompass a broad spectrum of congenital and acquired heart defects that affect children from birth through adolescence. These conditions may range from mild to severe and can impact the structure and function of the heart, leading to various symptoms and complications.
Among the many multi-specialty hospitals in Freetown, CMH educates and analyses the patient’s situation before heading them towards major treatment. Common paediatric heart conditions include:
Congenital Heart Defects: These are structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. Examples include atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot, and coarctation of the aorta. In the
Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias, can occur in children due to abnormalities in the heart's electrical system. These can manifest as palpitations, fainting spells, or dizziness.
Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease of the heart muscle, which can result in enlarged or weakened heart chambers and impaired heart function.
Acquired Heart Conditions: These are heart conditions that develop after birth due to factors such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications.
The causes of paediatric heart conditions vary depending on the specific condition. While some heart defects are present at birth and may be attributed to genetic or environmental factors, others may develop later in childhood due to infections, inflammation, or other underlying health conditions. Factors that may increase the risk of paediatric heart conditions include:
Maternal factors such as advanced maternal age or exposure to certain medications or substances during pregnancy
Certain genetic syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities.
It is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. It causes inflammation in the walls of arteries throughout the body, which damages the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, causing coronary artery aneurysm.
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which rheumatic fever has permanently damaged the heart valves. An immune response causes an inflammatory condition, which results in continuous valve damage. Rheumatic fever most often affects children of school age.
The treatment approach for paediatric heart conditions depends on the type and severity of the condition, as well as the child's overall health and medical history. Treatment options may include:
Medications: In many cases, medications can help manage symptoms, improve heart function, and prevent complications associated with paediatric heart conditions. Commonly prescribed medications may include diuretics, beta-blockers, and anti-arrhythmic drugs.
Surgery: Surgical interventions may be necessary to repair or correct structural abnormalities of the heart. Paediatric cardiac surgeons are skilled in performing a wide range of procedures, including open-heart surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, and the closure of septal defects.
Cardiac catheterization: This minimally invasive procedure involves threading a thin tube or catheter through blood vessels to access the heart. Cardiac catheterization can be used to diagnose and treat various heart conditions, including closing septal defects, widening narrowed blood vessels, or placing stents.
Heart Transplantation: In severe cases where other treatment options have been exhausted, heart transplantation may be considered for children with end-stage heart failure or irreparable heart defects. Are you looking for the best anesthesia hospital in Freetown? Then CMH is the go to hospital for you to connect with.
While not all paediatric heart conditions can be prevented, there are steps parents and carers can take to promote heart health in children:
Ensure regular prenatal care and screenings during pregnancy to detect and manage any potential risk factors.
Encourage a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Avoid exposure to harmful substances such as tobacco smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs during pregnancy and childhood.
Be vigilant for signs and symptoms of heart problems in children, including chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor growth or development.
At Choithram Memorial Hospital, we understand the importance of early detection, prompt intervention, and comprehensive care in managing paediatric heart conditions. Our team of paediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing personalised, family-centred care for children with heart conditions. Through advanced diagnostic techniques, innovative treatments, and compassionate support, we strive to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for our young patients and their families. If you have any concerns about your child's heart health, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our paediatric cardiology team for expert evaluation and guidance. Together, we can work towards ensuring the best possible outcomes for your child's heart health and well-being. With the best anesthesia hospital in Freetown, let’s begin the journey to a healthy heart of your child.
