Types of an Enlarged Heart in Children
Types of an Enlarged Heart in Children
An enlarged heart is often referred to as a cardiomegaly. Most often seen in children, this condition is often the result of some other health condition and is much more common than many people would think. In adult, an enlarged heart is often a result of cardiovascular diseases and even pregnancy. In severe cases, large quantities of drugs are often associated with an enlarged heart, causing severe long term health issues. Understanding and knowing your child suffers from an enlarged heart is very important to their short and long term health. Remaining vigilant of the symptoms most commonly associated with an enlarged heart in your child could greatly increase the chances of successful treatment. Listed below are a few types of cardiomegaly and the common effects of each.
Cardiomyopathy
Perhaps the most common cause of an enlarged heart is cardiomyopathy. This condition is the result of the heart not being able to pump blood thoroughly and properly throughout the heart which often also leads to congestive heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is usually present in children as a result of a viral infection that is left untreated or not treated properly. Many other causes of cardiomyopathy include congenital heart disease, nutritional deficiencies, chemotherapy as a result of cancer treatment, and a fast rhythmic heart. Cardiomyopathy is often genetic as well. Many women with enlarged hearts over-compensate while the child is in the womb which often results in the child acquiring the disease as well.
Congestive Cardiomyopathy
Congestive cardiomyopathy is the most common form of cardiomyopathy that results in an enlarged heart. This condition creates a condition that forces the heart to stretch and grow in a manner that causes it to become weak, almost as if the heart is fatigued. As a result, the heart ceases to pump and circulate blood normally throughout the body which could cause other health issues including: arrhythmia, dysrhythmia, blood clots, and even congestive heart failure. Many viral infections also cause the heart to enlarge as the heart begins to fight the virus and become over-worked.
Usually dependent on the child’s age, there are numerous forms of treatment available that assists the condition in becoming too serious within your child’s overall health. Normally, the steps of treatment include decreasing the stress placed on your child’s heart through medicinal measures. If the condition is a result of a viral infection, vigorously treating the infection while closely monitoring the heart can certainly cause the condition to improve. If not, the only treatment option becomes a costly and dangerous heart transplant.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
This form of cardiomyopathy is usually genetic and often the most rare. Causing the septum of the heart to become inflamed, the blood flowing to your child’s heart is often restricted, causing the heart to work much harder to flow blood back throughout the body and creating an enlarged heart. Common symptoms associated with this dangerous illness are chest pains, dizziness, and abnormal heat rates. Treatment is very similar to other forms of caridomyaptahy and is normally successfully controlled.