Expert Warns: 'It's Mistaken for Growing Pains, But It's Actually...'

Pediatric heart conditions in childhood are frequently mistaken by parents for innocent growth pains, fatigue, or a lack of stamina. These clinical presentations, which can be congenital or acquired, can adversely affect children's growth and development if not identified in their early stages. Professor Dr. Bülent Oran, a specialist in Pediatric Cardiology, issued warnings to parents regarding the critical role of monitoring children's heart health, detecting subtle symptoms, and achieving early diagnosis. Globally, approximately 1.35 million newborns are born with congenital heart disease each year, with current data indicating this occurs in about 1 in every 100 live births. However, these conditions are not limited to congenital issues.

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The heart may have warned you as a child.

Acquired heart diseases are also observed in childhood. The World Health Organization identifies rheumatic heart disease as the most common acquired heart condition in individuals under 25. Additionally, Kawasaki disease, myocarditis, pericarditis, cardiomyopathies, and arrhythmias are significant heart diseases encountered during childhood. Symptoms of heart disease in children may not always be obvious. Specific indicators include an inability to keep up with peers during physical activity, becoming noticeably more tired during play or when climbing stairs, a frequent desire to sit down, or excessive sweating while feeding, all of which should be considered important clinical clues. Parents often worry about chest pain, but Professor Dr. Bülent Oran notes that most of these complaints stem from muscular, skeletal, or digestive issues. However, he stresses the importance of distinguishing risky situations.

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The way the pain appears is very important.

The manner in which pain presents is a key factor. Musculoskeletal pain typically worsens with a specific movement or when pressure is applied to the painful area. In contrast, conditions related to the heart that cause concern often involve pain that emerges during exertion, such as running, sports, or climbing stairs. If chest pain or rapid fatigue is accompanied by shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or a feeling of fainting, the situation must be taken seriously. A family history of sudden, unexplained death at a young age or heart muscle disease warrants a vital expert evaluation. Symptoms of heart disease can vary by age group. In infancy, feeding and developmental processes require meticulous monitoring. Excessive sweating on the forehead during breastfeeding, stopping mid-feed, and poor weight gain in infants may indicate the heart is working too hard.

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If chest pain or rapid fatigue is accompanied by shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or a feeling of fainting, the situation must be taken seriously.