As a parent, seeing your child’s heart beating through their chest can be a scary experience. However, it’s not uncommon for children to have visible heartbeats, especially in infants and young children. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about and is simply a result of their thin chest walls and the proximity of their heart to the skin’s surface.
However, in some cases, a visible heartbeat can be a sign of an underlying heart condition. If your child’s heartbeat is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or fatigue, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
What Causes a Visible Heartbeat?
As mentioned, a visible heartbeat in children is often due to their thin chest walls and the proximity of their heart to the skin’s surface. This is especially common in infants and young children who have less fat and muscle tissue to cushion the heart.
However, a visible heartbeat can also be a sign of an underlying heart condition such as:
- Heart Murmurs
- Arrhythmias
- Heart Valve Problems
- Cardiomyopathy
- Pericarditis
If you notice your child’s heartbeat is consistently visible or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying heart conditions.
How Can Nao Medical Help?
At Nao Medical, our cardiology specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of heart conditions in children. We offer same-day appointments, minimal wait times, and exceptional and empathetic staff to ensure your child receives the best possible care.
Our technologically driven approach includes a comprehensive app and extensive after-hours virtual care to ensure your child’s health needs are met around the clock. We also offer a range of other healthcare services including urgent care, primary care, mental health, women’s health, and nutrition services.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Book an appointment with Nao Medical’s cardiology specialists today to ensure your child’s heart health is in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to see my child’s heartbeat?
Yes, it’s not uncommon for children to have visible heartbeats, especially in infants and young children. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about and is simply a result of their thin chest walls and the proximity of their heart to the skin’s surface.
When should I be concerned about my child’s visible heartbeat?
If your child’s heartbeat is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or fatigue, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
What heart conditions can cause a visible heartbeat?
A visible heartbeat can be a sign of an underlying heart condition such as heart murmurs, arrhythmias, heart valve problems, cardiomyopathy, or pericarditis.
