Enlarged Heart in Children
Diseases of the heart, especially in children, can be dangerous and even life threatening if not treated properly. Cardiomyopathy can cause pulmonary hypertension which is increased blood pressure in the lungs. Other risks include blood clots and congestive heart failure. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that your child has this disease in order to properly test and rule out all other possibilities.
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Types
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The most common form of cardiomyopathy, especially in children, is dilated cardiomyopathy. The heart becomes enlarged and presents itself with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain. A rare form of cardiomyopathy found in male children is called Barth Syndrome. Barth Syndrome is a genetic condition, typically passed from mother to son, that has symptoms such as delayed growth and muscle weakness.
Causes
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There are some cases with unknown causes in relation to an enlarged heart in children. Viral infections are the most common cause for cardiomyopathy. Children's Hospital Boston states that "in some instances, cardiomyopathy is a result of another disease or its treatment, such as complex congenital (present at birth) heart disease, nutritional deficiencies, uncontrollable, fast heart rhythms, or certain types of chemotherapy for childhood cancers."
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Identification
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Though there are a few cases of enlarged heart disease that produce no symptoms, a few things to look for in order to identify the disease in children are difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeat, swelling, abdominal pain and vomiting, and chest pain. It is easier to treat cardiomyopathy the sooner it is detected, so if your child exhibits any of these symptoms, have her see a physician immediately.
At Risk
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It is important for you to discuss your child's health with your doctor and list any family history of enlarged heart disease. If your child was born with congenital heart disease, his risk for developing cardiomyopathy at a later date is higher. Your doctor can make specific recommendations to you based on your child's overall health and medical history to determine what the best course of action is to treat this disease.
Treatment
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Cardiomyopathy can cause blood clots so your child may have to take anticoagulant medication. The American Heart Association states that "therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy is often aimed at treating the underlying cause, however. If the person is young and otherwise healthy, and if the disease gets worse, a heart transplant may be considered." Only your physician can determine what is best for of your child based on her medical history and current health condition.
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