Teen Cardiac Patients

flightnurse2b, LPN · Nov 9, 2007

Hi! Just curious if anyone deals with teenagers that are cardiac patients? Out of the blue my son was diagnosed with cardiac issues, and I am curious as to whether there are specialized professionals that deal with teenagers. I dont understand what can cause bradycardia in a "healthy" young teen? It is my child, so I dont know if I am blind to something or what? Thanks ahead of time for taking time to respnd!

i was diagnosed with MVP @ age 16...asymptomatic until then but got lightheaded at soccer practice and thats what was making me feel bad. but teenage bradycardia doesnt not always=cardiac issues. many well-trained athletes such as runners and swimmers will have what they call "runners heart" or "facial immersion bradycardia." its not uncommon for young people in top physical shape to sustain in the 50's. there are pediatric cardiologists that your son can see if his PCP thinks necessary.

good luck to you and hope all turns out well.. hugs to you and your son :)

All_Smiles_RN · Nov 9, 2007

My teenage brother and my school age child are both cardiac patients. Both see a pediatric cardiologist. Do you have any childrens' hospitals in your area? Nurses specialize in the field as well. Good luck to you and your son.

vamedic4, EMT-P · Nov 9, 2007

The best thing for you to do, obviously, is to find a specialty hospital. I work peds cardiology (*not as a nurse)...but we deal frequently with children of all ages who have cardiac issues. It can run the gamut from teen heart transplants to anorexics who have no idea the damage they're doing to their hearts.

I agree with other posters, find a pediatric hospital in your area. They should have a cardiology department.

vamedic4

egglady, LPN · Nov 12, 2007

Hi all! Thank you for the replies! I have taken him to a pediatric cardiologist, and he has been diagnosed with bradycardia, and now they say he had ventricular bigeminy in a EKG. Also they said something about ventricular ectopy. I dont understand what that all means, but I should have final test results the beginning of the week. He isnt athletic, kind of a "laid back"type of kid, so it is kind of scary and certainly unexpected. I will keep you posted...

Bad_Kitty · Jun 12, 2009

Hi, I was just wondering if you could tell me a little more about the diagonsis they have for your son.. My son is only 15 years old and we have just found out this week that he also has Bradycardia. At the moment we are waiting to see the Cardio specialist but as you would know that can be along wait emotionally. My son has had chest pains for over a year now, he was looked at by his GP several times but giving the fact that he is very fit he was overlooked at but this time i insisted on an ECG, and now we are faced with the unknown.

You may email me using the link above.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 12, 2009

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egglady, LPN · Jun 12, 2009

Hi! Thanks again for all the replies. Like in the TOS, the BEST thing you can do is see a pediatric cardiologist! And then do whatever they say is best! Which sometimes is hard to get a teen to do,but as a parent- no matter what, do your best to make them do what they should!! Bad Kitty, I hope your boy will be ok. You are in my thoughts. God bless cardiac nurses and docs!!!