Warning Signs in Infants
In newborns and young infants, signs of a possible heart problem include poor feeding or tiring easily during feeds, sweating during feeding, rapid breathing at rest, poor weight gain, persistent cyanosis (bluish or grayish color of the lips, tongue, or fingernails), and low oxygen saturation readings on pulse oximetry screening. Some critical congenital heart defects are caught on newborn pulse oximetry screening before symptoms develop; others only become apparent days to weeks after birth when a patent ductus arteriosus closes and the defect is unmasked.
Warning Signs in Older Children and Teens
In school-age children and adolescents, warning signs include fainting or near-fainting during or shortly after physical activity, chest pain or pressure with exercise, unexplained palpitations or irregular heartbeat, new fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance compared to peers, and persistent high blood pressure. Some children have no symptoms whatsoever and are only diagnosed after a heart murmur is detected on a routine checkup or an abnormal ECG is found on a sports preparticipation screen. Any of these findings should prompt evaluation by your pediatrician, who will determine whether a pediatric cardiology referral is needed. When in doubt, it is always safer to have a heart specialist evaluate the concern than to wait.
Reviewed by Dr. Pradeepkumar Charla, MD, MBA, FAAP, FACC
Pediatric & Adult Congenital Cardiologist — Congenital Heart Compass Medical PLLC
Last reviewed:
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified cardiologist for decisions about your congenital heart disease care.