Causes of Congestive Heart Failure in Children

Congestive heart failure is a condition wherein the heart is unable to pump out sufficient blood to the organs in the body. This condition is caused either when the heart pumps well, but it is not sufficient on account of a structural problem or defect or secondly it could be the result of some weak heart muscle, which is not pumping the required quantity of blood. Such a condition could then either result in a backup of fluid and blood in the lungs –that is if the problem is with the left part of the heart or a backup of fluid and blood into both the liver as well as the veins that are leading to the heart, if the problem is with the right part of the heart. However, the possibility of both sides of the heart failing at simultaneously, resulting in a backup in both the systems at one time is not uncommon.

There are 2 main reasons behind the cause of congestive heart failure. The first reason generally tends to be prevalent among younger children and babies. In this case, the child’s heart muscle pumps soundly, but the path the blood adopts is not very efficient. As a result of which an excess amount of blood enters into the lungs. Both the heart and the lungs then find it hard to handle this excess blood. This situation is caused when babies are born with certain types of connections or holes. When these connections (shunts) are present, oxygenated blood which has returned from the lungs to the heart goes back into the lungs and then returns into the heart.

The second reason that is responsible for congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle itself is not strong enough, thus it is unable to pump the required amount of blood. This situation is normally present in older children. One of the major causes of this form of congestive heart failure is when the structures present on the left part of the child’s heart are so narrow or small that blood faces a difficulty in flowing out of the heart ultimately leading it to backup in the lungs. Symptoms of this condition will vary depending on the child’s age. All the outcomes of this condition will eventually depend on its cause. The key to managing congestive heart failure lies in making an accurate diagnosis, routinely following-up with the cardiologist and finally taking the prescribed medications on a regular basis.