Every parent knows the small worries that come with raising a child—skipped meals, fussiness, or getting tired too quickly at the playground. Most of the time, these quirks are brushed off as part of growing up. But sometimes, what looks ordinary can hide something far more serious: a heart that isn’t working as it should.
“As a paediatric cardiac surgeon, I meet many families who are shocked to learn their child has been living with a heart defect for years. What makes it even harder is that the warning signs were there all along, but seemed too ordinary to cause alarm," said Dr Tapan Kumar Dash, Clinical Director and Head of Department - Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Subtle Signs Parents Dismiss
“Children with heart problems don’t always collapse or turn blue, as movies suggest. The reality is quieter. Some children tire easily, refusing to play for long. Others breathe faster than usual or sweat heavily while feeding. Many remain underweight or shorter than their peers despite a good diet,” said Dr Dash.
Parents often attribute these signs to laziness, picky eating, or just being ‘small-built.’ Teachers may notice a child losing stamina during sports but assume it is a lack of interest. These everyday explanations delay the right diagnosis.
Why Early Detection Matters
“The heart is a developing organ, and many congenital defects can be corrected or controlled if identified early. A small hole in the heart, for instance, may close naturally or be repaired with a simple procedure if caught in time. Left unnoticed, the same defect can strain the lungs, weaken the heart muscle, and shorten life expectancy,” explained Dr Dash.
Timely diagnosis also prevents repeated respiratory infections and growth delays, both of which take a toll on a child’s confidence and schooling. Getting help early not only saves a child’s life, it also allows them to grow up with the chance of a healthy, active future.
Common Warning Signals to Watch for
Parents and caregivers should seek medical advice if they notice:
- Persistent breathlessness, especially during feeding or mild play
- Unusual fatigue or frequent breaks during activity
- Poor weight gain despite adequate nutrition
- Excessive sweating in infants, even in mild weather
- Frequent chest infections or wheezing that does not respond well to routine treatment
- Blue lips, tongue, or fingertips in more severe cases
Each of these signs may seem harmless on their own, but together, they often point to an underlying heart condition.
Why Do These Defects Go Unnoticed?
Part of the challenge is that symptoms overlap with common childhood issues.
- Poor growth may be blamed on picky eating
- Breathlessness is mistaken for asthma
- Constant tiredness is explained as weakness after illness
“Unless a doctor thinks of the heart as a possible cause, valuable time is lost. In cities, families also juggle busy routines, and small health complaints often get brushed aside. By the time a child is brought for detailed evaluation, the condition may have advanced,” added Dr Dash.
What Parents Can Do
No parent can be expected to diagnose a heart problem at home. But what you can do is remain observant and act early. If your child’s growth, stamina, or breathing patterns seem different from other children of the same age, ask your doctor for a detailed check-up. A simple stethoscope exam, followed by an echocardiogram if needed, can reveal most structural heart problems.
Annual health reviews are also valuable, especially for children with a history of repeated infections, slow growth, or a family history of heart disease.
Also Read: Ventricular Septal Defect In Newborns: What It Is And How To Treat It?
Role of Awareness
Many of the children I treat could have been helped much earlier if their parents had recognised the subtle signs. The goal of awareness isn't to alarm families, but to empower them to take timely action. Just like routine eye or dental check-ups, heart health deserves the same attention.
Path to Healthier Futures
Advances in modern care mean that most congenital heart defects can be managed effectively. With the right treatment at the right time, many children grow up to enjoy healthy and active lives. Many youngsters who once struggled with everyday activities are able, after treatment, to run, swim, and thrive like their peers.
As parents, we are quick to protect our children from visible dangers but often miss the hidden ones. Fatigue, breathlessness, and poor growth may look like minor inconveniences, but they can be the whispers of a struggling heart.
Message From The Expert
Dr Dash emphasised, “My advice is simple: never dismiss persistent symptoms as 'normal.’ A quick consultation with a paediatrician or paediatric cardiologist can bring clarity and, in many cases, change the course of a child’s life. Tiny hearts deserve early attention, so they can grow strong and carry children into the future they deserve.”