Ensure Your Child’s Heart Health: Essential Checks Even Without Symptoms
Project: “Heart, You’re Simply Out of This World!”
How can you tell if a seemingly healthy child might have heart issues? What if your son or daughter is heavily involved in sports? Do they need a thorough examination before starting their training? We asked Elena Surmenkova, a top pediatric cardiologist at the LODE Medical Center, about these concerns.
Dr. Elena Surmenkova
Recently, cardiologists have been detecting more heart diseases and minor functional abnormalities in children. Elena Surmenkova attributes this trend to improved diagnostics and more thorough examinations:
“Based on my personal medical experience, I can confirm this. For instance, electrocardiography (ECG) is now mandatory for every newborn in the maternity ward. Standard child observation protocols require an ECG before enrolling in kindergarten and first grade. If a pediatrician detects abnormalities on the ECG or hears murmurs during an examination, the child is referred to a cardiologist for consultation and an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). Modern ultrasound equipment can now diagnose heart diseases and anomalies that were previously undetectable, allowing for early treatment.”
Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
“The most common signs of heart disease in children include decreased physical activity, weakness, lethargy, pre-fainting and fainting episodes, chest pain, palpitations, and ‘skipped beats’ (how children might describe rhythm disturbances).”
Could Excessive Sweating Indicate Heart Problems?
“Sweating, as a non-specific symptom, can occur with various illnesses, including heart disease. It’s definitely something to pay attention to. First and foremost, a pediatrician should examine the child if this symptom is present.”
Understanding “Windows” in the Heart
“A patent foramen ovale is indeed common in our practice. It is not a disease and is not concerning if its diameter does not exceed 5 millimeters. This ‘window’ is present in the fetus, facilitating fetal circulation. After birth, it usually closes. In other words, the foramen ovale is part of the physiology of fetal circulation. Doctors used to think it closed in the first days or weeks of life, but with advanced ultrasound diagnostics, we see that many healthy children and adults have an open foramen ovale. If it remains open and is up to 5 millimeters in size, it is not a contraindication for sports. Therefore, there’s no need to worry. However, annual observation by a cardiologist with ECG and heart ultrasound is recommended.”
Sports and Heart Health
“Recreational sports activities 1-3 times a week only require a pediatrician’s examination and a health certificate indicating the physical education group. Typically, before enrolling in a sports section, the doctor examines the child and refers them for an electrocardiogram. Based on a favorable ECG result, the doctor issues the necessary certificate. If abnormalities are found on the ECG or if the pediatrician notices concerning symptoms during the examination, the child is referred to a pediatric cardiologist for further evaluation. For professional sports, the child should have an ECG twice a year and a heart ultrasound once a year, along with regular visits to the cardiologist.”
Parents should also monitor how their child tolerates training. If any signs of discomfort appear, the child should be excused from training and first consult a pediatrician. If there is chest pain, palpitations, or sudden weakness, training should be stopped immediately. Parents should also observe how quickly the child recovers after workouts.
Assessing Recovery After Training
“An hour after training, the child should be fully recovered. If they feel unwell the next day, it could be due to overtraining or a sign of another illness, possibly unrelated to the heart. A doctor should investigate this: first, a pediatrician, and then other specialists if necessary. Parents should pay close attention to their child’s condition before and after training. If something is concerning, the first step is to consult a pediatrician.”
When to Stop Training
“I also mentioned that the coach, along with the parents, should pay attention to any nuances. If, in addition to the listed symptoms, the child complains of shortness of breath (especially during usual activities that previously caused no discomfort) or suddenly becomes pale, these are reasons to see a doctor.”
Monitoring Heart Health at Home
“Home blood pressure monitors are designed for adult arms. There are devices for measuring blood pressure that are intended for children: the cuff size should match the child’s arm size. If the child is physically developed and their arm size is like an adult’s, you can use a regular device to measure blood pressure and pulse. Keep in mind that modern blood pressure monitors are sensitive to any arrhythmia and display a rhythm disturbance signal for any deviation from an ideal pulse. In children, such deviations can be physiological. For example, they may have physiological respiratory arrhythmia, which only a doctor can assess. If a parent notices an ‘arrhythmia symbol’ on an automatic device, it is appropriate to consult a doctor.”
Common Misconceptions About Heart Health
“I do not consider complaints about poor health or any unclear parental concerns about a child’s health as misconceptions. The opinions of attentive parents are invaluable to a doctor. I urge parents to pay attention to the complaints of even the youngest children. Even if these complaints seem ‘insignificant.’ For example, ‘my heart is jumping’ or ‘my heart feels like it’s falling.’ During a consultation, the doctor can usually tell if the child is trying to manipulate their parents, and this situation is relatively harmless. It is much more dangerous to miss some pathology. Therefore, do not neglect your child’s opinions.”
Text: Margarita Dorozhkina
