What are signs of heart failure in an infant?
What are the symptoms of heart failure in a child?
- Swelling (edema) of the feet, ankles, lower legs, belly (abdomen), liver, and neck veins.
- Trouble breathing, especially with activity including rapid breathing, wheezing, or excessive coughing.
- Poor feeding and weight gain (in infants)
- Feeling tired.
How do I know if my child has a heart problem?
Heart problems in young children Passing out during physical exercise or activity. Heart palpitations—a heartbeat that feels funny or fluttery to a child. Shortness of breath while playing or being active. Chest pain.
Can babies recover from heart failure?
If congestive heart failure is due to a structural problem of the heart that can be fixed, the outcome is excellent. Babies with large ventricular septal defects whose holes get smaller or are closed surgically are able to lead a normal life.
At what age does heart failure occur?
As you get older, you are more likely to have heart failure — it’s the leading cause of hospitalization for people over age 65. But men and women under 65 also are at risk for developing heart failure.
What are the symptoms of a weak heart?
Symptoms associated with a weakened heart include:
- Coughing while lying down.
- Abdominal bloating due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
- Shortness of breath upon exertion or while at rest.
- Inflammation in the lower extremities, including the feet and the ankles.
- A lack of energy.
- Lightheadedness/Dizziness.
- Fainting.
What is the first line treatment for heart failure?
First-line drug therapy for all patients with HFrEF should include an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and beta blocker. These medications have been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality.
Can you have heart failure and not know it?
If you have heart failure, you may not have any symptoms, or the symptoms may range from mild to severe. Symptoms can be constant or can come and go. Heart failure symptoms are related to the changes that occur to your heart and body, and the severity depends on how weak your heart is.
How long can you live with a weak heart?
Life expectancy with congestive heart failure varies depending on the severity of the condition, genetics, age, and other factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one-half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive beyond five years.
How do you strengthen a weak heart?
7 Powerful Ways You Can Strengthen Your Heart
- Get moving. Your heart is a muscle and, as with any muscle, exercise is what strengthens it.
- Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is tough.
- Eat heart-healthy foods.
- Don’t forget the chocolate. The good news: chocolate and wine contribute to heart health.
- Don’t overeat.
- Stress less.