A child who appears healthy, cheerful, and full of energy may still have an underlying heart condition that goes unnoticed. Many heart diseases in children do not cause obvious symptoms in their early stages, making early awareness especially important. Recognising the warning signs promptly can help children receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment, reduce the risk of complications, and support healthy long-term development.
Dr Anusorn Sarinroch (Medical Licence No. 33726), Paediatric Cardiologist at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, explains that heart disease in children can result from several causes, including genetic factors, chromosomal abnormalities, infections during pregnancy such as rubella, abnormal heart development in the womb, infections after birth such as viruses causing inflammation of the heart muscle, or complications from other illnesses including autoimmune diseases.
Heart conditions can occur from infancy through adolescence, and are generally classified into two main groups:
1. Congenital Heart Disease
These conditions are present from birth and occur when the heart does not develop normally during pregnancy. Examples include holes in the heart wall, abnormal heart valves, or misplaced blood vessels.
2. Acquired Heart Disease
These conditions develop after birth and may be caused by infections or other medical conditions. Examples include myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), complications from rheumatic fever, heart rhythm disorders, and Kawasaki disease.
Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore
Symptoms vary depending on the child’s age and the severity of the condition. In some cases, an abnormal heart murmur is discovered during a routine examination before any symptoms appear. When symptoms are present, they may include:
Infants and Young Children
- Poor feeding or difficulty eating
- Slow weight gain or delayed growth
- Rapid breathing or excessive sweating, especially during feeding or play
- Bluish discolouration of the lips, fingers, or toes
Older Children
- Becoming tired more easily than usual
- Reduced ability to exercise or play sports
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Fainting episodes
- Frequent respiratory infections
While some of these symptoms may resemble common childhood illnesses, repeated or unusual symptoms should not be ignored. Parents should seek assessment from a paediatric cardiologist, as they may indicate an underlying heart condition. Some heart defects may not cause symptoms at birth and are only discovered later in childhood. One example is an atrial septal defect (ASD), a hole between the upper chambers of the heart.
Diagnosing Heart Disease in Children
Modern cardiac investigations are safe and accurate, allowing abnormalities to be detected at an early stage. Depending on the child’s age and symptoms, investigations may include:
- Physical examination and heart auscultation
- Blood pressure measurements in the arms and legs
- Oxygen saturation measurement
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG)
- Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), which is one of the most important tools for assessing the structure and function of the heart
In some cases, additional tests may be required, such as exercise stress testing, heart rhythm monitoring, cardiac MRI, or cardiac catheterisation to provide more detailed information and guide treatment planning.
Can Heart Disease in Children Be Treated?
Many childhood heart conditions can be treated successfully or well controlled if diagnosed early and managed appropriately. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition and may include regular monitoring for mild cases, medication to control heart rhythm or reduce fluid retention, minimally invasive catheter-based interventions, which can avoid the need for major surgery, or heart surgery when necessary. With appropriate treatment and ongoing care, many children are able to return to school, participate in daily activities, and enjoy a quality of life similar to that of their peers.
Caring for a Child with Heart Disease at Home
Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s heart health. Important aspects of care include:
- Ensuring medications are taken as prescribed
- Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
- Providing age-appropriate nutrition
- Watching for symptoms such as unusual tiredness, rapid breathing, or palpitations
- Encouraging suitable rest and physical activity
- Preventing infections, particularly in younger children
Most importantly, parents should not become overly anxious. Many children with heart conditions can enjoy healthy development and a good quality of life when they receive appropriate care and support.
“If parents are concerned that their child may have a heart-related problem, they are welcome to consult a paediatric cardiologist for advice and appropriate assessment. At Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, we are committed to providing comprehensive cardiac assessment and personalised treatment plans for children of all ages, helping every child grow and develop with confidence and good heart health”
— Dr Anusorn Sarinroch
Paediatric Cardiologist
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For more information and booking an appointment, please contact :
Tel. 032-616-800 Call Center, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin
Tel. 032-616-883 Paediatric Department (8.00 – 19.00 hrs)
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