artery in children

Overview

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In children, problems with the arteries are rare but can happen. These problems may be present from birth (congenital) or develop later due to conditions like Kawasaki disease, which causes inflammation in the walls of arteries. When arteries become narrowed, blocked, or abnormally shaped, the heart and other organs may not get enough blood and oxygen.

No, artery problems in children are rare. Most heart problems in children are structural issues with the heart itself, not with the arteries.

Artery problems can affect infants, toddlers, and teenagers. Some conditions, such as Kawasaki disease, are more common in boys than in girls. Children with certain genetic conditions or a family history of heart disease are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Chest pain or tightness
• Tiredness or fatigue with little exertion
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity
• Poor feeding or slow weight gain in babies

Symptoms in children

• Irritability or fussiness for no clear reason
• Pale or clammy skin
• Weakness or fainting during physical activity
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, artery problems usually come from plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), leading to heart attacks or strokes. In children, the causes are different, but symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness can still occur.

Causes

Main causes

• Congenital defects present from birth, such as abnormal origin or path of a coronary artery
• Kawasaki disease, an illness that causes swelling and inflammation in arterial walls
• Inherited conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes high cholesterol in children
• Infections that affect the heart and blood vessels
• Trauma or injury to the chest

Risk factors

• A family history of early heart disease
• A history of Kawasaki disease
• Certain genetic syndromes or metabolic disorders
• Exposure to cigarette smoke at home
• Unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity, which can affect arteries over time

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your child complains of chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath during play or exercise
• Your baby turns blue or has trouble breathing
• There is a known heart condition and any new symptom develops

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your child seems unusually tired or weak
• Your baby does not gain weight or feed well
• You have concerns about an irregular heartbeat
• A family member has a condition like familial hypercholesterolemia

Diagnosis

A doctor will take a detailed medical history, listen to the child's heart and lungs, and check pulses in the arms and legs. If an artery problem is suspected, the doctor will refer your child to a pediatric cardiologist (a heart specialist for children).

Tests that may be done

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to see the heart's structure and blood flow
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to check the heart's electrical rhythm
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scan for detailed images of the arteries
• Cardiac catheterization, a thin tube inserted into an artery to take X-rays and measure pressures
• Genetic tests if an inherited condition is suspected
• Blood tests to check cholesterol or inflammation levels

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are painless and non-invasive. Some imaging tests may require your child to stay still, so doctors may use mild sedation to help them relax. Children are usually kept comfortable throughout the process, and a parent or guardian can typically stay close by.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the artery problem. Some children only need regular monitoring. Others require medicine to reduce inflammation, prevent blood clots, or lower cholesterol. Some conditions need surgery to repair or bypass the affected artery. The care team will guide you step by step.

Self-care at home

• Follow your child's care plan exactly, including medicine and activity restrictions
• Attend every follow-up appointment and let the team know about any changes
• Encourage a heart-healthy lifestyle for the whole family, including healthy meals and regular physical activity

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines to reduce inflammation in the arteries, prevent blood clots, or lower cholesterol. There are also treatments to control blood pressure or heart rhythm. Your child's cardiologist will choose the safest options based on the specific condition.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if an artery is blocked, too narrow, or formed in a way that reduces blood flow. Some examples include repairing the origin of a coronary artery or performing a bypass. These procedures are done by specialized pediatric heart surgeons and are often very successful.

Living with this condition

Children with artery conditions can still enjoy normal childhood activities, but they may need to avoid very intense sports or exercises if the heart is at risk. Your child's care team will give specific guidance on which activities are safe.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep regular appointments with the pediatric cardiologist
• Avoid exposing your child to smoke or secondhand smoke
• Make heart-healthy eating part of your family routine
• Encourage safe play and moderate exercise unless advised otherwise

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports artery health. Reducing salt and sugary drinks can also help. Exercise helps keep the heart strong, but the type and intensity should be decided with your child's cardiologist.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A chronic heart condition can affect a child's emotions. They may feel anxious, worried, or different from peers. It is important to talk openly, reassure them, and encourage them to share their feelings. Many hospital centers offer child life specialists or counselors who can help.

Prevention

Because many artery problems in children are present at birth, they cannot be prevented. However, some cases, such as damage from Kawasaki disease, can be reduced with early treatment. Building heart-healthy habits in childhood also reduces the risk of artery disease later in life.

Vaccines

Routine childhood vaccinations protect against infections that can affect the heart and blood vessels, so keeping your child's vaccines up to date is an important preventive step.

Screening programmes

If your family has a history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, ask your healthcare provider about lipid (cholesterol) screening for your child. Early detection can help manage risks before problems develop.

Complications

If left untreated

• Damage to the heart muscle from reduced blood flow (cardiomyopathy)
• Heart failure, when the heart cannot pump well enough
• Aneurysm, a dangerously bulging artery wall that can tear or burst
• Blood clots that can travel to other parts of the body and cause a stroke
• Abnormal heart rhythms that can be life-threatening

Long-term outlook

The outlook for children with artery problems has improved greatly in recent years. Most children respond well to treatment, and many go on to live healthy, active adult lives. With close care and regular follow-up, the long-term risks are often manageable and hope is real.

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