What are the treatments for the condition?

Congestive heart failure in children can sometimes be diagnosed when the baby is still in the womb. If this is the case, the mother can be treated with medications and water pills. This may help lessen the effect on the baby.

After the baby is born, general treatment measures will include giving oxygen, limiting sodium in the diet, and treating underlying anemia. A heart medication called digitalis can be used to help improve the efficiency of the heart. Water pills help relieve some of the pressure on the heart by removing extra fluid.

In severe cases, stronger heart medications can be used to help the heart pump with more forceful contractions. Medications that relax the blood vessels can also be used. If the cause of CHF is congenital heart disease, open heart surgery may be done.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Heart medications used in the treatment of CHF can have serious side effects. Digitalis must be used carefully to avoid toxic effects. Water pills can cause excessive dehydration and salt imbalances. Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Treatment of the underlying condition often eliminates the congestive heart failure. If a structural defect is the cause of the CHF, open heart surgery can restore normal blood flow in the body. However in some cases, long-term medical treatment is required.

Once the acute medical problem is resolved, a child with congestive heart failure should be encouraged to reduce coronary risk factors. This may include control of other diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as eating a healthy diet for heart disease.

How is the condition monitored?

Monitoring varies, depending on the underlying cause of the congestive heart failure. Blood tests, such as a CBC or complete blood count, can track the treatment of anemia. Kidney function tests and liver function tests help to detect any damage from medications used to treat CHF. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the health care provider.