Symptoms of Dangerous Heart Conditions in Teenagers

At least once or twice a year we hear a news report on a seemingly healthy teenage athlete suddenly collapsing and dying of heart failure. These reports are not only shocking and sad, but also make others question if this could happen to their own active teenagers. While these cases are considered rare, there are some warning signs parents can look for to determine if they should seek medical help for their teen.

Sudden Cardiac Death in Teenagers

According to the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, about 1 in 100,000 students die each year of sudden cardiac death, usually at the beginning of the sports season. Sudden cardiac death applies to a number of heart conditions which can cause the heart to stop suddenly and cause sudden death. Many of the conditions are hereditary as well as undiagnosed congenital heart defects. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one example of a hereditary heart defect that can cause sudden death. In this case, the heart muscle, usually the left ventricle, becomes extremely thick, blocking blood flow and causing abnormal heart rhythms. Marfan syndrome, rare arrhythmias, myocarditis, Kawasaki's disease, a hole in the heart, abnormal blood vessels and abnormal heart valves can also play a role in causing sudden death in teenagers.

Symptoms of Dangerous Heart Conditions

The Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms for congenital heart defects that may have been undiagnosed at birth:

• Shortness of breath during exercise
• Tiring easily
• Swelling of the hands, feet and ankles
• Fluid in the heart or lungs
• Pale or blue skin color
• Slow growth or development rate

The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston, TX lists the following warning signs for sudden cardiac death in teens:

• Chest pain during activity
• Fainting during exercise
• Racing heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness

If your child or teenager is experiencing any of these symptoms, despite their current physical condition, it is important to have him see a physician for a proper diagnosis.

Playing it Safe

Even if your teenager isn't experiencing any health issues, it is important to teach them to be safe while participating in a sport. Teenagers should take breaks and drink plenty of water when practicing in hot weather. Any time your teen feels overly tired, dizzy or has difficulty breathing, he should stop exercising immediately and rest. Check to make sure that your teen's sport coach follows safe exercise practices and doesn't overwork team members to the extreme. If you feel a coach is not following safe practices, contact the head of the sport and voice your concerns. The health of your teen, and the entire team, should be the number one priority of any coach.

Sources:

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Health Leader: Understanding Sudden Death in Teen Athletes

Mayo Clinic: Congenital Heart Defects in Children