Common Childhood Cardiovascular Conditions
Charles Trant , Jr ., M . D . | McLeod Pediatric Cardiologist
Two of the most common cardiovascular findings impacting children today are heart murmurs and high blood pressure .
Heart Murmurs The vast majority of children , at some point , have a murmur , but the term ‘ heart murmur ’ does not mean a disease or pathology : the word refers to a sound heard with a stethoscope . That ’ s it . There are several different types of murmurs . The most common type – often referred to as a ‘ functional ’ or ‘ innocent ’ murmur – is actually a normal extra sound . On the other hand , ‘ pathologic ’ heart murmurs are related to problems , like a defective heart valve or a hole between the heart chambers .
If a child ’ s pediatrician or primary care physician detects a murmur , they may refer your child to a pediatric cardiologist . From there , the specialist examines the child to determine if more testing is needed , like an echocardiogram : an ultrasound used to visualize the walls , chambers , and valves of the heart . Some problems are mild and can even fix themselves ; some problems are very serious , needing medicine , surgery , and sometimes a heart transplant .
Keep in mind that murmurs are often found incidentally – during a routine examination or a sports physical . As a parent , try not to panic . It is okay to be concerned , but this is where further testing is beneficial .
High Blood Pressure and Obesity
We often associate high blood pressure with adults , but the condition is far too common in children , in part due to the increasing prevalence of obesity among this age group . In the past 30 years , childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Obesity has both immediate and long-term impacts on children . In addition to long-term risks of stroke , heart attack , and kidney failure , immediate impacts include a greater likelihood of prediabetes as well as bone and joint problems , sleep apnea , and social and psychological problems .
The best thing we can do is establish a heart-healthy lifestyle as early as possible : the eating and exercise habits developed by age 6 are likely to be that person ’ s lifestyle in adulthood .
There are three main components to a heart-healthy lifestyle – diet , exercise , and , if needed , medicine . Maintaining a low-salt , low-calorie diet is key . Teach your child that certain foods may taste really good , but they are not something you should have every single day . Also , please avoid fad diets : they usually don ’ t work at all , and even if you lose some weight , you won ’ t be able to stay on that fad diet forever . Once you go back to regular food , but still have the old eating habits , the weight is coming right back . Try to make good choices at every single meal .
Exercise is also vital to establishing healthy habits in your child . Unfortunately , many children spend hours per day with their electronic “ friends ”.
Children should engage in two-to-three hours of play each day , and even if they are not getting all of this exercise at school , families could help make it a priority . And , here is some good news : exercise doesn ’ t have to be complicated . It can be simple , vigorous activities filled with fun that families can enjoy together . I encourage my patients to make it their goal to exercise every day . If they miss one day , then resolve to exercise the next day . Lastly , if your child ’ s doctor prescribes medicine , it is important to take it as prescribed .
Remember : a heart-healthy lifestyle will not work unless it ’ s applied to the entire family . It does not happen by accident .
McLeod also has many good resources for assistance , including pediatricians and primary care physicians who can help set up a plan , as well as our pediatric dieticians and nurse educators who can provide additional support .
Dr . Charles Trant is a Pediatric Cardiologist with McLeod Pediatric Subspecialists . He is board certified in Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatrics . McLeod Pediatric Subspecialists is located in McLeod Medical Park East at 101 Johns Street , Suite 400 . They can be reached by calling ( 843 ) 777-7300 .
70 FEBRUARY 2017 SHEMAGAZINE . COM