Causes of Angina in children

Causes of Angina in children:

Angina in children is rare but can occur due to various underlying conditions that reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. Here are the primary causes:

1. Congenital Heart Defects

• Anomalous Coronary Arteries: A condition where the coronary arteries are abnormally connected, reducing blood flow.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Thickening of the heart muscle, which can obstruct blood flow.
• Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve, reducing blood flow from the heart.

2. Kawasaki Disease

• A condition causing inflammation of blood vessels, including coronary arteries, potentially leading to aneurysms or reduced blood flow.

3. Coronary Artery Abnormalities

• Coronary Artery Fistula: An abnormal connection between a coronary artery and another heart chamber or vessel.
• Coronary Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of the coronary arteries, often due to inflammation or scarring.

4. Inflammatory or Autoimmune Conditions

• Rheumatic Heart Disease: A complication of untreated strep throat, causing inflammation and damage to heart valves.
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels, which can affect coronary arteries.

5. Acquired Heart Conditions

• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to viral infections.
• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the lining around the heart, which can compress coronary arteries.

6. Severe Anemia

• Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood can strain the heart and lead to angina-like symptoms.

7. Arrhythmias

• Irregular heart rhythms can reduce the efficiency of blood flow to the heart muscle.

8. Physical Stress

• Extreme physical exertion in children with underlying heart conditions can trigger angina.

9. Trauma or Injury

• Blunt chest trauma can damage coronary arteries or the heart muscle, leading to reduced blood flow.

10. Metabolic Disorders

• Conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia can lead to early coronary artery disease.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Chest pain or discomfort, especially during physical activity.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue or dizziness.
• Fainting episodes.

If a child exhibits symptoms of angina, immediate medical evaluation is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause.