Kids to the Cardio

[mntbiker]

School just started yesterday so the kids went to the pediatrician last week for their check ups. The doc has told my wife she wants the kids to get checked out by a cardio. She believes there is a link between a parent having a BAV and the children getting it so based on the fact that I had a BAV and surgery in my 30's she would rather be on the safe side. They don't have any other indications so we are not worried. I am glad to be getting this done since it will give me peace of mind to know they are both healthy.

The appointment is in September.

 

[briansmom]

Obviously, I am an advocate. I do not have BAV and that was not my son's issue, but better safe than sorry!

 

[WayneGM]

Sounds like a good precaution. Better to know now, one way or the other. Best wishes for a clean bill of health.

 

[Karlynn]

Sounds like a wise idea. Forewarned is forearmed. If it turns out one or both of them shows signs you'll be able to monitor it for any progression. If they don't show signs then you don't have to live through their childhood wondering if they have it. Peace of mind is very valuable.

 

[blessed1416]

Good Idea!

Good Idea!

Your wife was wise in taking this precaution. We did the same with our children after my first surgery. The pediactric cardiologist not only did an EKG and echo on both children who were 12 and 14 at the time, but he also did the same with my husband to determine whether or not they had twice the likelyhood of developing heart problems (from me and/or my husband also). He found that my daughter does indeed have MVP. She has an echo once a year, watches her diet, and drinks A LOT of water. My son and husband were fine. We were glad that we found this out early and can take precautions. It's also nice to be able to give a heads up to the school so that they also take precautions during P.E., at camps, and other activities that she's involved in away from home.

Hopefully, your children will get good reports and this won't be a concern. It might even be a good idea to make this a part of their yearly exams every year.

Good Luck!

 

[Mary]

It sounds like a plan to me, David.
After my diagnosis, we had our children checked and found out our youngest also has a BAV.

 

[Trinityheart8891]

MtnBiker,
great idea,

as someone who was born with my heart issues, which werent discovered untill I was over 2 months old, and required 2 surgeries before the age of 5, I believe all kids should at least have an EKG before they leave the hospital, and should probably be screened later on with an echo to check everything out, especially if they are into sports, or have a familial history. I know that if I do have kids, they will be screened before they leave the hospital

keep up the good work! I am so happy to see how many here are getting their kids screened

Morgan, 20

 

[francie12]

Because of my older son's issues, we had both younger son and husband have a screening echo. To our surprise, both came back with asc. aortas larger than normal (especially husband's) which require followup. I'm a believer that more knowledge is better than less in a case like this. This is an area where you want to be informed and prepared.

 

[MaryC]

I had both of my kids referred to a cardiologist after I had my mitral valve surgery in February because so many of my siblings have the same mitral valve disease. Both kids, ages 14 & 12, got a clear echo. It was a relief to my kids and my husband & I. The caridologist said it would be a good idea for them to have another echo in early adulthood.

 

[tobagotwo]

You're wife's right. There is a genetic link involved in BAV. It often doesn't come out, though. Your kids should have their kids checked, too. It's painless and relatively fast. Much better to know.

Best wishes,

 

[aussigal]

Dont forget to let us know how their appointment goes in September...

As a mum of 2 BAV sons I can honestly say that I am glad we know...it only took me a minute to decide I wanted the kids scanned when I found out BAV was heritable...

We have been able to teach them about their hearts and the importance of Cardio testing and taking notice of changes that may be assosciated with their heart-health.

A dodgy heart is one surprise you dont want to have. Peace of mind comes with knowing if it is there and knowing how to react if an emergency should arise.

 

[mntbiker]

Hi everyone,
I will definitely update after the kids see the cardio. My wife has actually been the resistant one for getting the kids checked, the doc finally talked her into it on the last appointment. My older son who just turned 8 has the same problem with bloody noses that I have and whenever he gets sick he has a murmur. Doc said a murmur while sick is normal and not to worry but the combination of the two has me concerned. No matter what the answer is it will be a relief to get them tested.

My kids were concerned about the echo, once I explained to them about how it was just a thing rubbing against you and you could see your heart (sort of) on a computer screen they got very excited. Kids

Hey Ton, really glad to see you.

 

[KatieD]

I had my 9 year old son checked out after my brother had his mitral valve replaced. My PCP swore he couldn't hear a thing, but agreed to refer me to the children's hospital cardio department.

The doctor there also swore she couldn't hear a thing after listening very, very carefully. She ordered an echo anyway because of my family history. My son sure enough had MVP.

The doctor then wanted to see my son's twin sister. His sister wasn't diagnosed with MVP, but the doctor said she thinks my daughter has the beginnings of it. They had her strain during the echo and said it "looked like" the leaflets were trying to billow out.

Pretty scary stuff. Now I have to wonder what the future will hold for their health and their ability to get health insurance coverage.