Many people assume that heart disease only affects adults, but in reality, children can also develop heart conditions. These issues may appear at birth as congenital defects or develop as children grow. Without early detection and treatment, pediatric heart disease can impact growth and development, and in severe cases, lead to life-threatening complications.
Parents need to understand that the heart is a vital organ that supports a child’s daily activities and overall quality of life. By recognizing the types of heart diseases in children and their symptoms, parents can seek medical care promptly. Early detection and the right treatment are essential in helping children live healthy and fulfilling lives.
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Common Heart Diseases in Children
There are many types of heart problems that can affect children and teenagers, ranging from congenital heart defects and infections to acquired heart diseases caused by certain illnesses or genetic syndromes. With proper treatment, many young patients with heart disease can still enjoy an active and meaningful life.
Here are some of the most common heart diseases in children:
1. Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease refers to defects in the structure of the heart present from birth. Examples include:
- Valve abnormalities, such as coarctation of the aorta or bicuspid aortic valve
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, where the left side of the heart does not fully develop
- Holes in the heart walls or large vessels, such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Tetralogy of Fallot, a combination of four heart defects: VSD, pulmonary stenosis, thickened right ventricle, and misplaced aorta
Treatment may involve surgery, catheter procedures, medications, or heart transplantation in severe cases. Lifelong monitoring is often required.
2. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque made of fat and cholesterol builds up inside arteries, causing them to stiffen and narrow. This increases the risk of blood clots and heart attacks.
Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, and metabolic syndrome.
3. Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can be too fast, too slow, or irregular, preventing efficient blood circulation. Types include:
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat), most often supraventricular tachycardia
- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
- Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)
- Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome
Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, or feeding difficulties in infants. Treatment depends on the type and severity.
4. Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition, usually affecting children under 5, that causes inflammation in blood vessels.
Symptoms include high fever, “strawberry tongue,” swollen hands and feet, body rash, red eyes, and swollen lymph nodes.
If untreated, it can cause coronary artery aneurysms in 25% of cases. Treatment typically involves intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), aspirin, and sometimes corticosteroids. Long-term follow-up is needed.
5. Heart Murmurs
A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when blood flows through the heart chambers, valves, or vessels. Most childhood murmurs are harmless, but some may indicate underlying heart problems caused by congenital defects, fever, or anemia.
6. Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation or infection of the pericardium (the sac around the heart), which can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood. Causes include surgery for congenital defects, bacterial or viral infections, fungal infections, or autoimmune diseases like lupus.
7. Rheumatic Heart Disease
Group A streptococcal infections (such as strep throat or scarlet fever) can develop into rheumatic fever, which may damage heart valves and muscle. It usually appears 2–3 weeks after infection and is more common in children aged 5–15.
This condition can be prevented with prompt antibiotic treatment for strep throat.
8. Heart Infections
Heart infections from viruses, bacteria, or fungi may cause myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle that affects pumping ability. Symptoms often resemble flu, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Treatment usually involves medications and supportive therapy.
Pediatric Cardiologists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
If your child is experiencing heart problems, you can consult with experienced pediatric cardiologists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
1. dr. Anna Ulfah Rahayoe, Sp.JP(K), FIHA
A cardiologist specializing in pediatric cardiology and congenital heart disease. She completed her Cardiology and Vascular Medicine training at Universitas Indonesia and is a member of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) and the Indonesian Heart Association (PERKI).
Practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 09.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Thursday: 09.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Friday: 09.00 – 12.00 WIB
2. dr. Oktavia Lilyasari, Sp.JP(K), FIHA
A cardiologist focused on pediatric cardiology and congenital heart disease. She trained at Universitas Indonesia and has attended international fellowships in pediatric cardiology & congenital heart disease.
Practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
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Monday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
If you would like to consult about heart diseases in children with dr. Anna or dr. Oktavia, visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
For easier access, use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment feature, or Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and App Store, to check queues and get complete hospital information.
