Top 7 Signs Your Child Might Need a Heart Check-Up

 As a parent, nothing matters more than your child’s health. You keep track of their diet, sleep, and milestones but do you ever wonder if their heart is healthy? While heart problems in children are less common than in adults, they can still occur and early signs are often subtle.

We’ll explore the top 7 warning signs that your child might need to visit a Pediatric Cardiologist, and why timely heart check-ups can make all the difference.

Why See a Pediatric Cardiologist?

A Pediatric Cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart problems in infants, children, and teenagers. They perform detailed heart evaluations using tools like ECG, ECHO (Echocardiography), and Doppler tests to detect conditions early often before serious symptoms develop.

If your pediatrician suggests a visit to a heart specialist, it’s not something to delay. Let’s look at the most common signs that signal it’s time to consult a specialist.

1. Unusual Fatigue or Shortness of Breath

Is your child getting tired easily? Do they struggle to keep up with other kids while playing or walking?

If your child experiences frequent fatigue, especially during physical activities, it could point to a heart problem. Shortness of breath, even while doing light tasks, may suggest the heart isn't pumping efficiently.

Children with congenital heart defects may have poor blood flow, making them feel tired or breathless.

What to Do: Schedule a consultation with a Pediatric Cardiologist to rule out structural or functional heart issues.

2. Irregular or Fast Heartbeat

It’s normal for children’s heart rates to vary with activity, but if your child complains of a racing heart, pounding in the chest, or skipped beats even while resting it’s worth getting checked.

An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) may be harmless or it could signal something more serious, especially if it's accompanied by fainting or dizziness.

What to Do: A Pediatric Cardiologist can perform an ECG to detect any abnormal rhythm and suggest treatment if necessary.

3. Bluish Skin or Lips (Cyanosis)

If you notice a bluish tint on your baby’s lips, fingernails, or toes, it might be a sign of low oxygen in the blood a common sign of congenital heart defects.

This condition, called cyanosis, may appear during feeding in infants or during physical activity in older children.

What to Do: Don’t ignore this. Immediate evaluation with echocardiography is advised to assess oxygen levels and heart function.

4. Poor Feeding and Growth in Infants

Does your baby get tired while feeding or stop frequently to catch their breath? Are they not gaining enough weight despite proper nutrition?

Feeding requires energy. If the heart is weak or under stress, babies may not have the strength to complete feeding. Over time, this affects their weight and growth.

What to Do: A Pediatric Cardiologist can help detect whether a heart condition is affecting feeding ability or development.

5. Fainting or Dizziness

Occasional fainting in children can be due to harmless causes like dehydration or standing up too fast. But if it happens repeatedly, especially during activity, it may indicate a heart-related issue such as obstructed blood flow or irregular heartbeat.

Sudden loss of consciousness during exercise should always be investigated.

What to Do: Seek immediate evaluation with a Pediatric Cardiologist to rule out life-threatening cardiac conditions.

6. Heart Murmur Noted by a Pediatrician

A heart murmur is a whooshing sound heard during a heartbeat, usually detected with a stethoscope. Some murmurs are innocent and disappear with age. Others may indicate holes in the heart (ASD, VSD), valve problems, or other structural issues.

If your pediatrician notices a murmur and recommends follow-up, don’t ignore it.

What to Do: A Pediatric Cardiologist uses echocardiography to differentiate between innocent and abnormal murmurs and plan the next steps.

7. Family History of Heart Disease

A strong family history of congenital heart defects, sudden cardiac death, or genetic conditions increases your child’s risk. Even if your child has no symptoms, a baseline heart check-up can help detect silent conditions.

Some heart problems are inherited, and early screening helps ensure your child grows up safe and healthy.

What to Do: If you or a close family member has a history of heart disease or related conditions, it's wise to schedule a preventive evaluation.

Meet Dr. Amitoz Baidwan – Pediatric Cardiologist in Mohali

If you’re located in Mohali, Chandigarh, or nearby areas, you can consult Dr. Amitoz Baidwan, a highly experienced Pediatric Cardiologist specializing in pediatric and neonatal echocardiography.

At ACE Heart & Vascular Institute, Dr. Baidwan uses advanced cardiac ultrasound and Doppler technology to diagnose heart conditions in children with precision. The facility is NABH-accredited, ensuring high-quality care in a safe environment.

Simple 3-Step Booking Process:

1. Fill the online appointment request

2. Get a callback for confirmation

3. Visit the clinic for a detailed heart evaluation

Location: Sector 69, Mohali

 When in Doubt, Check It Out

Heart conditions in children can be silent but serious. The earlier they’re caught, the better the outcome. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, trust your instincts and get your child’s heart checked.

Remember, one visit to a Pediatric Cardiologist could make all the difference between worry and peace of mind.