Pediatric heart failure

Our experienced team is here to get you the answers you need about heart failure and help your child feel comfortable and reassured. We closely monitor children in all stages of heart failure to provide expert treatment, as well as guidance for the whole family.

If your child needs it, we can provide the support they need to help them breathe or pump blood. We’ve been recognized as a center of excellence for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by the national Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure in children occurs when the heart muscle can’t pump blood as well as it should. This is a serious condition that usually affects the blood flow to the lungs, heart and body, making it difficult to breathe and perform other essential functions.

Heart failure is usually a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time. While your child’s heart will continue to beat, the amount of blood it moves through the body can’t sustain a number of normal functions.

Many people think only adults experience heart failure. Unfortunately, heart failure in infants, children and teens also happens, often as a result of underlying heart conditions or spontaneously (cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, arrhythmia or heart block).

Heart failure symptoms

Symptoms of heart failure, which are often vague and not present until advanced stages, include:

• Rapid breathing
• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Restlessness and irritability
• Sweating
• Cough and congestion
• Poor appetite
• Slow growth
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Lightheadedness

Heart failure causes

In children, heart failure is can be a result of a congenital heart defect present at birth. However, some children develop heart failure from infections, medications, or other conditions that affect or damage the heart muscle, including:

• Arrhythmias
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Infection (myocarditis)
• Intrinsic muscle abnormalities (dilated, hypertrophic or restrictive cardiomyopathies)

Heart failure diagnosis

We want you to know that your child is in good hands. Our team of heart experts is experienced in recognizing the early symptoms of heart failure. In addition to assessing your child’s health and medical history, we run diagnostic tests that may include:

• X-rays
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Exercise stress test
• Heart catheterization study
• Heart rate monitors
• Cardiac MRI

Heart failure treatment at Advocate Children’s Hospital

Because heart failure in children has a number of possible causes, treatment may vary. Our experts are here to help you understand the best options to improve your child’s health, including medication, electrical devices and heart transplant surgery.

Medications

Some medications can help the heart pump with more strength and consistency, making your child feel better. Other medications may flush excess fluid from the body or lower blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to pump.

Pacemakers

In some cases, a pacemaker can help the heart pump blood more consistently by sending electrical signals that remind it to contract. These devices may act as a bridge to other treatment options, such as surgery or be a primary treatment in the case of an arrhythmia.

ECMO

For children who aren’t getting enough oxygen due to heart failure, an ECMO machine can help. The device adds life-sustaining oxygen back into the blood and removes carbon dioxide. ECMO is considered a temporary bridge to recovery.

Heart surgery

When heart failure doesn’t respond to medication, or if a pacemaker and ECMO aren’t a good fit, your child may need heart surgery. Our cardiac surgeons provide sophisticated, minimally invasive surgeries to repair structural problems that may cause your child’s heart to fail. Learn more about our pediatric heart surgery results.