Heart diseases present at birth, typically referred to as Congenital Heart Disease – CHD in medical circles, could impact a newborn’s heart structure. Occasionally, a diagnosis isn’t evident until later stages in the individual’s life. CHD varies in its complexity, from unproblematic heart issues with few or no signs to serious heart conditions necessitating immediate and lifelong medical intervention. Let’s unravel the complexities of CHD and its effects on those who have it.
Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease
As discussed above, CHD is a condition that can turn life-threatening if proper medical attention is not provided on time. Taking that as our mission for this copy, we are going to delve into the world of congenital heart disease, looking at what triggers it, how to spot it, how it’s diagnosed, and finally, the treatment options available.
Every parent must be cognizant of the alarming signs. Let’s take a look at seven key signals warranting attention for an early catch.
1. Increased Breathing Pace
Children saddled with CHD can exhibit a fast-paced breathing pattern or even experience breathing difficulty, typically while playing or feeding. It’s an after-effect of poor blood circulation owing to the heart’s decreased efficiency, thereby causing oxygen scarcity.
2. Inadequate Weight Gain
One more red flag is insufficient weight gain. Children, under the grip of CHD, find feeding a taxing task due to their constant fatigue or breathing troubles, leading to poor nutrient intake and stunted growth.
3. Constant Exhaustion
A marked symptom is the constant weariness in children, amplified even with slight physical activity. This is because their heart falls short of providing the required oxygen for their bodies, causing fatigue and weakness.
4. Irregular Heartbeat
If you ever spot an irregular heartbeat or pacing heart rate, make sure to consult a doctor immediately and get your heart health checked. When your heart is at-risk, you might end up experiencing this unusual sign which requires immediate attention. As per experts, when a person is suffering from CHD, this is the first sign that shows up.
5. Unusual Puffiness
Unusual swelling (puffiness), also known as edema, becomes visible in CHD-affected children in different body sections. One should never ignore this warning sign as it could further lead to more health complications which can turn fatal as well. Poor heart performance leads to fluid build-up, resulting in a swollen appearance of hands, feet, or abdomen.
It is important to recognize these warning symptoms of CHD to avert any severe health complications. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, don’t delay in seeking medical consultation. Being informed and alert can significantly improve your child’s quality of life by effectively managing CHD.