Parents always pay attention to the slightest change in their kids, whether it's about temperature, a cry that doesn't sound the same, or just them being more exhausted than normal. But when it's as important as the heart, even the slightest deviation must be taken notice of. That's where Paediatric Cardiology comes into play.

This medical field deals with diagnosing and treating illnesses of the heart in children, from unborn babies in the womb to teenagers growing up into adults. It may seem daunting at first, but children with heart defects can lead healthy, active lives with proper knowledge and on-time treatment.

What is Paediatric Cardiology?

Heart problems are something most people link only with adults, high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attacks, etc. Although Heart diseases don't only happen to grown-ups. Even some babies have heart defects when they're born, and others get heart conditions as they grow.

Paediatric cardiologists are specifically trained physicians who know the way a child's heart differs from an adult's, not only in size, but in form, rhythm, and function. They are aware of how the heart grows through pregnancy and how to identify issues that may not be detectable from the exterior.

Why Is It So Important?

According to global health studies, about 1 in every 100 children is born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). Some defects are mild and don’t need treatment, while others can be life-threatening without medical intervention.

People might wonder what is dangerous in this, but a lot of these conditions don't show obvious symptoms initially. That's why early detection and routine check-ups become important. If detected early, most heart conditions may be treated effectively, some even can be permanently cured.

Common Heart Issues in Kids

Some of the more common heart issues paediatric cardiologists deal with:

1. Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)

These are defects in the structure of the heart that a child is born with. Some examples are:

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – a defect/hole in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart. This hole allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium. While some small ASDs may close on their own, larger ones can lead to complications and may require medical intervention.
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – a defect in the wall between the lower chambers. This defect, normally present at birth, can allow blood to flow improperly between the ventricles, potentially leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue
• Tetralogy of Fallot – a more severe condition with more than one defect. These problems result in cyanotic, or blue, skin on babies because of a lack of oxygen.

Some defects can close spontaneously. Others could require surgery or procedures that don't require open heart surgery.

2. Arrhythmias

Sometimes a child’s heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. This can make them feel dizzy, weak, or tired. They are caused by problems with the heart's electrical signals, which regulate how quickly the heart beats. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be serious and require medical treatment.

3. Kawasaki Disease

It mostly affects children under five and causes inflammation in the blood vessels. If not treated in time, it can lead to complications in the heart. The disease is characterized by a high fever, rash, and other symptoms, and if left untreated, can lead to serious heart complications.

4. Cardiomyopathy

This condition impacts the heart muscle, making it more difficult for the heart to push blood. It can be genetic or occur following an illness.

5. Rheumatic Heart Disease

Resulting from untreated sore throats (such as strep throat), it can actually scar the heart valves over time.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Taken Fore granted

Children can not always put into words what they are feeling, so it is essential for parents to remain vigilant. Some initial symptoms of heart problems are:

• Sudden or rapid breathing or shortness of breath at rest
• .Fatigue or profuse sweating during feeding (in infants) or play
• Failure to gain weight or grow properly
• Purple lips, nails, or skin (indicative of insufficient oxygen)
• Chest pain, fainting, or dizziness
• Persistent lung infections or pneumonia

How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?

A child's heart condition is diagnosed through sophisticated technology, but the testing is painless and non-surgical in many instances:

• Echocardiogram (Echo): A heart ultrasound that indicates how it's functioning.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): It monitors the heart's electrical activity and rhythm.
• Chest X-rays, Cardiac MRIs, or CT scans: They are used if more precise images are required.
• Fetal Echocardiogram: Conducted during pregnancy if there's a possibility of heart issues in the unborn child.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the condition as well as how severe it is. Medical science has come on leaps and bounds, and any heart condition occurring in children these days can actually be treated and even cured.

Medication

Some conditions are treatable through medication, such as controlling heartbeat, rhythm, or reducing heart strain.

Interventional Procedures

With thin tubes known as catheters, some problems can be repaired by physicians without surgery, such as plugging small heart holes or opening up constricted valves.

Surgery

Open-heart surgery may be necessary in more severe instances. With new techniques and skilled surgical teams, success is high and recovery tends to happen more quickly than anticipated.

Long-term Monitoring

Even after treatment, kids with heart defects require periodic check-ups to make sure their heart keeps on functioning properly as they develop.

Emotional Impact on Parents & Children

When a child is diagnosed with a heart defect, it can be emotionally draining. It's natural to feel frightened or overwhelmed. But you're not alone. With the right care team, supportive resources, and ongoing support, you'll find strength you never knew you had.

Children are incredibly resilient. With early intervention and loving support, most live normal, active lives, playing sports, attending school, and chasing their dreams just like any other child.

The Role of Paediatric Cardiac Unit

When a child has a heart ailment, proper care at the right moment can make all the difference. And that's when Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital comes in, with its specialized Paediatric Cardiac Unit built specifically for children. From the initial diagnosis through recovery, the hospital provides treatment, yes, but also custom-tailored care, counselling, and guidance to the child and family as well.

At Neotia Getwel, the Paediatric Cardiac Unit is not only a department, but an environment designed with the unique requirements of small hearts and their families. From congenital abnormalities in infants to rhythm abnormalities or heart murmurs in older children, every case is approached with sensitivity, compassion, and deep expertise.

Conclusion

Our heart is a small sized organ but the role it plays is massive and crucial, specially when it comes to children. Paediatric cardiology is all about protecting that vital organ from the very beginning. Whether the child has been diagnosed with a heart condition or someone is simply seeking preventive care, never hesitate to seek expert advice.

At Neotia Getwel, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care for every child with a heart condition because every heartbeat matters, and every family deserves hope.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. Any such discrepancies should be brought to the blogger's notice for correction.