Early Detection: Heart Attack Symptoms in Children

Many people still believe cardiovascular disease only affects adults. In fact, children can also develop heart disease, congenital heart disease being one example. That's why it's essential to look after your child's heart health and, of course, to know the symptoms of a heart attack, especially if your child already has a heart condition.

Common Symptoms in Children With Heart Problems

1. Tiring Easily

Children without congenital heart disease can develop heart disease from as early as age 5. Parents therefore need to keep an eye on their little one's health and condition. Does your child get tired easily while playing, or seem short of breath during strenuous activity?

If you notice these symptoms, it's best to have your child checked right away. In children with congenital heart disease, a weak heartbeat is a telltale sign. Parents should keep monitoring their child's heart health by watching for any symptoms that appear.

2. Swollen Hands or Feet

The next symptom that often appears is swelling in your child's hands or feet. Whether the swelling comes with pain or not, both are signals that something abnormal is going on in the body. If your child experiences this, take them to the hospital promptly, because it may point to a problem with a vital organ.

3. Getting Short of Breath During Activity

Shortness of breath linked to the heart is usually marked by breathing that is too fast. The nostrils flare wide with each breath while the skin between the ribs and neck pulls inward. You may also hear noisy breathing. These symptoms can come with weakness, cold sweats and dizziness.

Also read Why Choose Heartology as Your Heart Care Center

4. Chest Pain

After shortness of breath and cold sweats, watch for complaints of chest pain. The pain is usually on the left side of the chest, especially when pressed, and it can be unbearable. It is sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation and pain on the left side of the body.

5. Frequent Fainting

Another symptom that your child may have a heart problem is frequent fainting. Fainting is caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain. Although it is often dismissed as normal, it can be linked to a heart attack in children. To protect your child's heart health, be suspicious of fainting caused by several factors.

If your child shows several of the signs above, it's time to see a cardiologist. That way you can confirm whether these signs really point to a heart attack or something else. This applies not only to children with congenital heart disease but to all growing children.

For congenital heart disease, the Heartology team includes a specialist in this field, Dr. Radityo Prakoso, who completed his medical degree and specialist training at Universitas Indonesia, to deepen his medical expertise in pediatric heart disease and congenital heart disease