Heart disease in childhood is caused by congenital and acquired disorders. In practice, most pediatric heart diseases are due to congenital malformations of the heart. About 0.8% to 1% of the babies are born with a problem in the heart's formation.

Congenital heart defects

Some congenital heart defects are as simple as a small hole between heart chambers that closes on its own. Other congenital heart defects are more complex and may require drug therapy and /or surgeries performed over a period of several years.

Less-serious congenital heart defects are often not diagnosed until later in childhood. The more serious heart defects usually become evident during the first few hours, days, weeks and months of life. It is very important to recognize the symptoms for an early diagnosis, since timely treatment and intervention can improve and in severe cases save patients' lives

Acquired heart disease

Acquired heart disease is much more common in adults than in children. But the two most common acquired conditions among children are rheumatic heart disease and Kawasaki disease. Rheumatic heart disease is caused by streptococcal bacteria and it is more likely to strike children between 5 and 15 years old. Kawasaki disease primarily occurs in children under the age of 5, and causes inflammation of the blood vessels that can result in damage to the coronary arteries. and a widening of the vessel called an aneurysm. Other acquired heart disorders that may occur in children include endocarditis and cardiomyopathy, damage to the valves and structure of the heart caused by infection or inflammation. Young children and teens also develop arrhythmias — abnormal heart rhythms.

Unfortunately even cardiovascular diseases characteristic of older age are becoming more frequent in the young population. Recent studies have shown that childhood obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular manifestations are associated with the adult disease in the young.

Acquired heart disease in children may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Screening children for risk factors at 6 – 7 years of age can identify which children are at risk for metabolic disorders and atherosclerosis.

Early age screening allows making improvements in lifestyle (like eating a healthy diet and exercising) and early treatment if necessary.

When to see a doctor?

If you notice that your baby has any of the signs and symptoms below, call your child's doctor.

• Loss of healthy skin color
• Pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis), especially on lips and nail beds, indicates a serious problem
• Swelling in the legs, abdomen or areas around the eyes, scrotum in boys. In children over 3 years old swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
• Shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain
• Loss of appetite, feeding difficulties, fatigue, poor weight gain or weight decline.
• Heart rate too fast or very slow heart rate
• Great difference between the blood pressure values measured on the upper and the lower limb, heart rates
• In children over 3 years old, easily becoming short of breath during exercise or activity, easily tiring during exercise or activity
• Typical symptoms of high blood pressure in childhood of frequent headaches, nosebleeds and ringed eyes.

Coral Medical Center Pediatric Cardiology Practice

In our pediatric cardiology service, we strive to provide the most skilful and, technologically, the most adequate care possible in ambulatory setting. We perform efficient screening, diagnosis and care for children with cardiac problems. We have created a friendly environment to ease the obligatory first step, which, particularly with small children, is familiarizing the child with the clinic and the doctor. The actual examination of the child can follow in a relaxed atmosphere.

Our pediatric cardiology examination packages are assembled to offer suitable care for children of all ages, from the newborn babies to adolescent age.

Pediatric Cardiology - Coral Medical Center Budapes

• Specialist cardiology examination for diagnosis of heart and cardiovascular disturbances, risk factors detection, evaluation and treatment
• 12-lead ECG
• Pulse oximetry for the non invasive measurement of blood oxygen saturation
• Cardiac ultrasound scanning (echocardiography)
• Stress ECG
• Holter ECG