Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease

What are the different types of Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease?

There are two major types of acquired heart disease in children:

• Rheumatic heart disease

• Kawasaki Disease

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease?

Symptoms of Rheumatic heart disease

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs and abdomen

• Heart palpitations

• Flaring of the nostrils

• Fatigue

Symptoms of Kawasaki disease

• Fever

• Red eyes

• Red lips and tongue

• Rash

• Swollen hands and feet

• Swollen lymph nodes

How is Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease diagnosed?

The following tests are used to diagnose acquired heart disease. Your child's doctor may use a combination of these tests:

• History and physical exam

• Blood tests

• Chest X-ray

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): a noninvasive test that records the heart's electrical activity

• Echocardiogram: a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart.

• Cardiac catheterization: a test that involves passing a thin flexible tube (catheter) through the groin and into the heart.

What are the causes of Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease?

Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever. The exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unknown.

How is Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease treated?

Heart disease is a critical condition that requires constant oversight by a team of specially-trained caregivers. We work closely with nurses, respiratory therapists and other team members to ensure that your child gets whatever is needed at a moment's notice.

The following are customary treatments for both congenital and acquired heart disease. Your child's doctor may use a combination of these treatment methods.

• Medications to fight infection, improve blood flow, reduce the heart's workload, decrease inflammation and prevent blood clots.

• Cardiac catheterization procedures to repair minor defects

• Surgery to repair major defects

• A heart transplant to replace the heart