Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure in Children

Heart failure in children can be caused by a congenital heart defect that prevents normal blood flow in the heart. Congenital heart defects occur in about 1 percent of all children. Heart failure can also be caused by a weakened heart muscle that no longer pumps efficiently. Viral infections and cancer medications may lead to a weakened heart muscle.

Physical Symptoms

• Babies and younger children with heart failure may fail to grow at a normal rate; and as a result, they will typically be underweight. Older children may experience swelling of the face, abdomen, legs and ankles which leads to weight gain. Young children with heart failure may become sweaty when doing ordinary tasks, such as drinking from a bottle or eating.

Medical Symptoms

• Children with heart failure may experience nausea, stomach pain and vomiting. Often, these children have a poor appetite. Also, heart failure may cause shortness of breath and frequent coughing episodes.

Behavioral Symptoms

• Children with heart failure may be fatigued much of the time and need to take frequent breaks when playing. Infants with heart failure may be unable to stay awake long enough to finish taking a bottle.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Parents should consult a doctor if their child exhibits any symptoms consistent with heart failure. A physician can perform EKGs and echocardiograms on the heart to look for any defects. Heart failure may be treated with medications, surgery or both.