What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Problem in Children and Adults?

Symptoms Across the Lifespan

The symptoms of a heart problem differ significantly between children and adults and depend on the underlying cardiac diagnosis. In infants, the most common signs include poor feeding, sweating during feeds, rapid breathing, failure to thrive, and bluish discoloration of the lips or fingernails. In older children and teens, symptoms may include chest pain with exertion, fainting during or after physical activity, unexplained palpitations, and reduced exercise tolerance compared to peers. Adults with congenital heart disease may experience more subtle symptoms — progressive fatigue, declining exercise capacity, ankle swelling, shortness of breath at rest or with mild activity, and an increased frequency of arrhythmias. Because many of these symptoms develop gradually over years, they may be mistakenly attributed to deconditioning or anxiety rather than cardiac disease. Anyone with known or suspected congenital heart disease who notices a change in their symptoms or exercise tolerance should seek timely cardiology evaluation.