Heart Disease in Children Age

Heart Disease in Children

AGE DOES NOT MATTER

Heart disease refers to a range of diseases, which affect the heart and, sometimes, also the blood vessels (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009). The broad range of heart disease includes coronary artery disease, arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythm, and congenital heart defects. In heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, blood vessels are blocked or narrowed, a condition that can lead to angina, heart attack or stroke. Infections and abnormalities of the heart's muscles, valves or rhythm are other forms of heart disease. Heart disease remains the number one killer in the world, including the United States, where it accounts for 40% of all deaths. It kills more than all forms of cancer combined (Mayo Clinic Staff).

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fat and cholesterol-filled plaques in the arteries, which increases the risk of cardiovascular or heart disease. The build-up affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain (Ferranti & Newburger, 2009). It takes many years for the build-up to happen and, therefore, it is unusual for children and teenager to suffer a heart attack or stroke as a result. But the process begins in childhood and goes slowly in most children. In some, it is fast (Ferranti & Newburger).

Risk Factors

A child can develop atherosclerosis from overweight, high blood pressure, family history of the disease, exposure to cigarette smoke and underlying medical conditions (Ferranti & Newburger, 2009). Obese or overweight children are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. They are also likely to be overweight or obese adults. Furthermore, childhood obesity increases the risks of heart disease in early adulthood, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Children and other young people with high blood pressure are also likelier to develop high blood pressure in adulthood. Children whose parents or grandparents suffered a heart attack or stroke when still young stand twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Family history means that a parent or grandparent suffered a heart attack, stroke or peripheral vascular disease before age 56, if male, or 66, if female. Children or young people who smoke themselves or are exposed to smoking tend to smoke up to adult years. This increases their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Underlying medical conditions, which further increase the risk include diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart transplantation, Kawasaki disease and receiving treatment for cancer in childhood (Ferranti & Newburger).

Every year, thousands of infants are born with congenital cardiovascular defects (AMA, 2010). Of the total, 4-10% have atrioventricular septal defect; 8-14% with coarctation of the aorta; 9-14% with tetralogy of Fallot; 10-11% with transposition of the large arteries; 14-16% with ventricular septal defects; and 4-8% with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The rest of these children may develop acquired heart disease, such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, Kawasaki disease, rheumatic fever, familial hyperchrolesterolemia or acquired immune deficiency syndrome with myocarditis (AMA).

Congenital Heart Disease

Statistics say that one out of 10 infants born in the United States has this defect, the most commonly occurring at birth (Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 2010). The fetal heart begins to develop at conception and is completely formed at 8 weeks. It is during this period that this defect forms. Specific steps must occur for the heart to develop correctly. When one of these steps does not occur at the right time, a hole forms instead of a dividing wall. Or only one instead of two blood vessels forms. The cause of most congenital heart defects is not yet known. There can be a genetic explanation, as it often occurs in a family. The mother may have suffered from heart problems when pregnant and taking medications, such as anti-seizure medicines. Nonetheless, there is as yet no definite cause in 85-90% of cases (Children's Hospital of Wisconsin).

Congenital heart conditions can be anywhere from simple to complex (Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 2010). Some need medications while others may require surgery. Some cases resolve themselves as the child grows. Malformations may occur in some children while others will need several surgeries in their lifetime. These defects or conditions are categorized according to the problems, which develop. One problem is when too much blood passes through the lungs. Another is when too little passes through the lungs. A third is when too little blood circulates in the body. And a fourth is a combination of several heart defects, presenting as a complex problem. Pediatric cardiologists are the specialists treating babies with congenital heart problems (Children's Hospital of Wisconsin).

Cyanotic Heart Disease

This is a congenital heart defect, which lowers blood oxygen levels, and may involve more than one defect (Weinrauch & Zieve, 2009). Under normal conditions, blood returns from the body and goes through the heart and lungs. Then it flows from the heart and carries enough oxygen to the rest of the body. There is abnormal blood flow when there is a heart defect. The amount of blood flowing also reduces the amount of oxygen that is taken to the rest of the body. A child or infant with cyanotic heart disease has bluish appearance, especially in the lips, fingers, toes or during exercise. It may be caused by chemical exposure, genetic or chromosomal syndromes, infections, diabetic pregnant mothers with poorly controlled blood sugar levels, and some prescription medicines. Symptoms include cyanosis, dyspnea or breathing problems, anxiety, and hyperventilation. Complications include arrhythmias, brain abscess, heart failure, hemopthysis, impaired growth, infectious endocarditis, polycythemia, pulmonary hypertension and stroke (Weinrauch & Zieve).

Diagnosis

Health experts recommend screening every child older than two years who have a family history of high cholesterol or lipids, early cardiovascular disease or diabetes; associated medical conditions; who are overweight or obese and who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol or lipids levels themselves (Ferranti & Newburger, 2009). They recommend that such children be subjected to fasting cholesterol and lipid blood testing and fasting blood sugar testing. Children at risk of atherosclerosis should have yearly blood pressure measurement, height and weight and body mass index calculation, and review of their lifestyle conditions, specifically exposure to tobacco smoke, exercise, diet and sleep (Ferranti & Newburger).