Acquired Heart Conditions
Acquired Heart Conditions Treatments in Howrah:
Understanding Your Child's Heart Health after Birth
It’s natural to think of heart conditions as something babies are born with. While that’s true for “congenital” conditions, sometimes, a child can develop heart problems after they are born. These are called acquired heart conditions.
At Narayana Health Hospital Howrah, our team of compassionate child heart doctors is here to help you understand, diagnose, and treat acquired heart conditions, ensuring your child receives the best possible care, ensuring your child receives the best possible care. We believe in clear, supportive communication, so you always feel informed and empowered.
What are Acquired Heart Conditions?
Acquired heart conditions are heart problems that develop after a child is born. They are different from congenital heart defects, which are present at birth. These conditions can appear because of infections, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or lifestyle factors.
Although less common than birth-related heart issues, acquired heart conditions can affect how the heart functions and may need medical attention.
It can be worrying to learn your child has an acquired heart condition, but many can be effectively managed and treated, allowing children to lead full and active lives.
Common Acquired Heart Conditions in Children
Here, we’ll explain some of the more common acquired heart conditions we see in children. Remember, this information is for understanding, and our doctors are always here to provide a precise diagnosis and personalized plan for your child.
1. Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)
- What it is: Rheumatic Heart Disease is a serious, long-term complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever. While these infections might seem minor, the body’s immune response can sometimes mistakenly attack healthy tissues, including the heart valves. This can lead to inflammation and permanent damage to the valves.
- How it affects the heart: Damaged heart valves may become narrowed (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation/insufficiency), making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. This extra strain can eventually lead to heart failure or other complications.
- Symptoms:
- Often, symptoms appear years after the initial strep infection.
- Early signs (Acute Rheumatic Fever): Fever, swollen and painful joints (especially knees, ankles, elbows, wrists), small painless bumps under the skin, a specific type of rash, and involuntary jerky body movements (Sydenham’s chorea).
- Later signs (RHD): Shortness of breath (especially with activity), fatigue, chest pain, swelling in the legs or abdomen, heart palpitations.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis involves a physical exam, listening to the heart, reviewing medical history for strep infections, blood tests (to look for signs of inflammation), and especially an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to visualize the heart valves and function.
- Treatment:
- Acute Rheumatic Fever: Treating the initial strep infection with antibiotics (usually penicillin) is crucial to prevent RHD. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to manage symptoms.
- Rheumatic Heart Disease: Management often involves long-term antibiotics (to prevent future strep infections and worsening of RHD). Depending on the severity of valve damage, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms. In severe cases, surgical repair or replacement of the damaged heart valves may be necessary.
2. Kawasaki Disease (KD)
- What it is: Kawasaki Disease is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects young children. It causes inflammation in the walls of small and medium-sized blood vessels throughout the body, including the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle).
- How it affects the heart: The most concerning complication is the inflammation of the coronary arteries, which can lead to weakening, bulging (aneurysms), or blockages. This can impair blood flow to the heart, potentially leading to heart attack or other heart problems later in life.
- Symptoms: KD typically presents with a persistent high fever (lasting 5 days or more) and at least four of the following:
- Rash over the body
- Redness and swelling of the hands and feet
- Red, cracked lips and a “strawberry” tongue (red with prominent bumps)
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis) without discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on recognizing the specific pattern of symptoms and ruling out other conditions. Blood tests are used to check for inflammation. A crucial part of diagnosis and monitoring is the echocardiogram to assess the coronary arteries and heart function.
- Treatment: Early treatment is key to preventing heart complications.
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): This is a primary treatment, given intravenously, to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of coronary artery problems.
- Aspirin: High-dose aspirin is often given to reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots. Lower doses may be continued for longer periods if coronary artery issues develop.
- Follow-up: Regular follow-up with a pediatric cardiologist is vital to monitor for any long-term effects on the heart.
3. Myocarditis
- What it is: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). It’s most commonly caused by a viral infection (like common cold viruses, flu, or COVID-19), but can also result from bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or reactions to certain medications.
- How it affects the heart: When the heart muscle becomes inflamed, it can weaken, swell, and become less efficient at pumping blood. This can lead to reduced heart function and, in severe cases, heart failure.
- Symptoms: Symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe, and may appear after a recent infection:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath (especially with activity)
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms (body aches, headache)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Swelling in legs or ankles (in older children)
- In infants, poor feeding, fussiness, or difficulty breathing.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be challenging as symptoms mimic other illnesses. It involves a physical exam, blood tests (to check for inflammation and markers of heart damage), ECG (electrocardiogram) to check heart rhythm, echocardiogram to assess heart function, and sometimes a cardiac MRI for more detailed imaging of the heart muscle. In some cases, a heart muscle biopsy may be performed.
- Treatment: Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting heart function while the inflammation resolves.
- Rest: Limiting physical activity is crucial.
- Medications: Diuretics to reduce fluid retention, ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers to help the heart work more efficiently, and sometimes corticosteroids or other immune suppressants to reduce inflammation.
- Supportive care: In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for close monitoring and advanced support.
4. Pericarditis
- What it is: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, two-layered sac that surrounds the heart.
- How it affects the heart: When inflamed, the layers of the pericardium can rub against each other, causing pain. If fluid accumulates within the sac (pericardial effusion), it can put pressure on the heart, making it difficult for the heart to fill with blood properly. This serious complication is called cardiac tamponade.
- Symptoms:
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain that often worsens when lying down, breathing deeply, or coughing, and may ease when leaning forward.
- Fever
- Weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis involves a physical exam (listening for a characteristic “friction rub”), ECG, chest X-ray, echocardiogram to visualize fluid around the heart, and blood tests to look for inflammation.
- Treatment: Treatment usually involves:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Colchicine: A medication often used to reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence.
- Treating the underlying cause: If an infection is identified, appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medications are used.
- Drainage (pericardiocentesis): If a large amount of fluid accumulates and affects heart function, a procedure to drain the fluid may be necessary.
Our Approach to Your Child's Care
We combine the latest medical knowledge with a deeply compassionate approach. When you come to us with concerns about an acquired heart condition:
- Thorough Evaluation: We listen carefully to your child’s symptoms and medical history.
- Precise Diagnosis: We use advanced, child-friendly diagnostic tools, including:
- Echocardiogram (Echo): A painless ultrasound of the heart that shows its structure and how it’s working.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Blood Tests: To check for inflammation, infection, and other markers.
- Cardiac MRI/CT (if needed): More detailed imaging for complex cases.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: We discuss all options with you, from medication and lifestyle adjustments to, in some cases, interventional procedures or surgery. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for your child.
- Ongoing Support: We are with you every step of the way, providing guidance, monitoring progress, and answering all your questions.
Have Concerns About Your Child's Heart Health?
If your child is experiencing any unusual symptoms or if you have concerns about an acquired heart condition, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital.
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