P29: Cardiovascular disorders originating in the perinatal period

P29.0: Neonatal cardiac failure

The heart pumps blood through the blood vessels to the body. The blood then flows back to the heart through other blood vessels. Together, the heart and the blood vessels form the blood circulatory system. Blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to the tissue in the body.

There are various reasons why a baby's heart might not be pumping properly. One reason can be a congenital heart defect, for example. Another reason may be an inflammation. If there is too little red blood pigment in the blood, it may also be that the heart is not pumping properly. Problems with metabolism may also prevent the heart from pumping properly. If the heart does not pump the blood properly, the oxygen supply to the tissue in the body will be insufficient.

There can be different indications that the child’s heart is not pumping properly. The heart may be beating more quickly than usual, for example. Breathing may also be abnormally fast. The child may sweat more, or be exhausted, when drinking. The child may not put on enough weight. Too little urine, or no urine at all, may be being excreted.