5 Silent Heart Warning Signs in Children Every Parent Should Recognize

Heart disease is often associated with adults, but it's crucial to recognize that children can also be silently affected. Many common symptoms in kids, like fatigue or breathlessness, can be mistaken for minor ailments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments.

Dr. Prashant Prakashrao Patil, a Senior Consultant Interventional Pediatric Cardiologist, emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signs. Here are five symptoms that parents should watch for:

1. Breathlessness During Simple Activities

While it’s normal for children to be out of breath after running or playing, excessive breathlessness with minimal effort should raise concern. If your child seems to struggle for breath even while resting, it might indicate a heart problem rather than just asthma.

2. Unusual Fatigue

If your child frequently appears tired or struggles to keep up with peers, it could signify a deeper issue. Children who fall behind in physical activities might not just be shy or timid; their heart may not be pumping efficiently enough.

3. Poor Growth or Feeding Difficulties

Growth patterns are vital indicators of health in infants and young children. Symptoms like slow weight gain, poor appetite, or excessive sweating during feeding can be early signs of heart concerns.

4. Bluish Lips or Fingertips

Any bluish discoloration of lips or fingertips suggests low oxygen levels in the blood. Such symptoms, especially if persistent, should not be ignored and warrant immediate medical attention.

5. Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs detected during routine check-ups can sometimes indicate underlying structural issues. While many murmurs are harmless, some may require further examination to rule out significant heart defects.

Being aware of these signs can help in the early detection of potential heart issues, leading to timely interventions and better outcomes for children.