What is a common indication of heart failure in infants, particularly during feeding?

A common indication of heart failure in infants is poor feeding. In the context of heart failure, an infant may struggle to consume adequate amounts of food due to increased fatigue and exertion during feeding. The heart's inability to effectively pump blood can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the body and the muscles involved in feeding, making the process tiring and less efficient for the infant. As a result, they may not exhibit the energy required to feed well, leading to poor weight gain and overall inadequate nutrition.

When an infant experiences heart failure, it is not unusual for them to display signs such as irritability, excessive sweating, or lethargy during feeding attempts. This creates a circle where inadequate intake leads to further poor growth and development, compounding the problem. Recognizing poor feeding as a symptom is crucial for early identification and management of potential heart failure in infants.