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Request an Appointment with codes: Cardiology (Heart Center)
Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease
Acquired heart disease is a problem that develops after birth.
What is Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease?
Acquired heart disease is a heart problem that develops after birth, and is less common in children than adults.
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
Pediatric Acquired Heart Disease Doctors and Providers
-
Pooja Desai, MD Pediatric Cardiologist -
Kavita Sharma, MD Pediatric Cardiologist
Resources
Our team of experts are prepared to treat children with any critical care diagnosis or crisis, including congenital or acquired heart disease. At Children's Health, we provide patient-centered care, which means we put your child’s interests at the forefront. We have multiple resources that are designed to not only meet the needs of your child, but also your entire family. Some of those resources include: