I have been told that my son's left side of his heart is larger than the right side. The cadiologist says that it looks as though it is functioning correctly, but would like to see him again in three months. Today he was running and held his heart, but said his throat hurt....does anyone know what the normal heart rate for a three year old is? Should I get a second opinion or wait the three months?
2006-08-22 12:38:00 · 10 answers · asked by delfin716 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
For the smart alec answer, I took him to the cardiologist for an innocent heart murmur and it showed up on the ecocardiogram
2006-08-22 13:38:56 · update #1
That happens to a lot of people..your heart rate accerates and you can feel it in your throat... As far as normal heart rate for 3 year old boy: 60–140 beats per min (at rest) (per webmd.com) Your cardiologist will know, call him and find out for sure.
When it comes to conditions with the heart you should always get a second opinion (most insurances will cover this too). You can wait till after the visit in 3 months or you can get a copy of his records and see another doc now... which ever one will help you to relax and feel better. I wish you and your son well. I understand your concern: My family has a history of heart defects and its scary to think that my children could suffer from them too. Take Care and do what you feel is the right thing to do. Trust your instinct as a mom.
2006-08-22 12:53:59 · answer #1 · answered by Kristin Pregnant with #4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children are not small adults and they are still growing and changing. In response to the smart alec - adults are not the only ones with heart problems! To mom - if there is any way that you can get your child to a pediatric cardiologist I would recommend that. There is nothing wrong with seeking the absolute best that you can for your child. That doesn't mean that your first doctor was wrong - it is just reassuring to deal with someone that specializes in caring for children. As for waiting the 3 months - it depends on how your child is doing. If he is short of breath, has trouble running, has blue lips or complains of pain, then see the doctor sooner. I hope that this is not too serious, but it is normal to worry about your child. Do not feel bad about seeking help sooner if you need to - almost more for you than for him. I think worrying and asking for answers is part of the job description of being a mom. And it is the best job in the world.
I am not a doctor, but work in a hospital, and my personal experience: I had open heart surgery for a congenital defect when I was in my 20s by a Pediatric cardiac surgeon because the local cardiac surgeons had never done a procedure like mine before. Procedure obviously worked and I was healthy enough to have a baby afterwards.
2006-08-22 23:26:34 · answer #2 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't provide enough information for anyone to give you a good answer. It's not normal for a cardiologist to be looking at a 3-year-old's heart. So how did that come about? Are you the kind of parent who would take their 3-year-old to a cardiologist for a check up?
2006-08-22 20:35:34 · answer #3 · answered by Doctor Hand 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The left side of the heart (ventrical) is always larger than the right side (atrium).. Unless there is excessive enlargement of that side, I wouild seek a second opinion. There is always the possibility of the hepatic artery to the heart (in play while in utero) may not have completely closed at the cardiac level. Or, the oft heard word.. "Hole in the heart" There may be other factors totally unrelated to the heart, which must also be considered.
2006-08-26 16:18:53 · answer #4 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One side bigger than the other is not normal. Was it a lot big or just a little? If were you I would either go back to that Dr and get more info or see another Dr.... Has he had an echocardiogram? I would insist on one. My son had to have open heart surgery at 3 and the echo shows everything. It would show if he has a problem or abnormality. Good luck to you...
2006-08-22 19:46:32 · answer #5 · answered by millvill0921 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best thing I can add is this...If your mom alarm is going off, the ER is always an option. If you are not comfortable waiting the 3 months, see if you can either get a 2nd opinion, or call the cardiologist and see if he can at least explain why 3 months, if not see him now.
2006-08-23 08:24:07 · answer #6 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably some Congental problem, some times not life threatning.Better get the child to the cardiologist for further plan.
2006-08-23 09:43:02 · answer #7 · answered by khq q 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cardiologist are specific in their field and very well trained. im sure everything is fine, but if it make you more comfortable then get a second opinion from someone who has been in the field for at least 20 plus years.
2006-08-22 19:42:51 · answer #8 · answered by UFC. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
definitly get a second opinion. Heart problems is nothing to take chances on with a child.
2006-08-22 19:41:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check back with his Dr. if he says the same thing get a second opp, it wont hurt anything
2006-08-22 19:41:45 · answer #10 · answered by bill j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋