Final answer:
Causes of congestive heart failure (CHF) in pediatric patients include heart muscle abnormalities, infections, and structural defects.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several causes of congestive heart failure (CHF) in pediatric patients:
- Heart muscle abnormalities: Genetic conditions or infections can lead to abnormal development of the heart muscle, causing it to weaken and not pump blood effectively.
- Infections: Inflammation of the heart and blood vessels, such as endocarditis, pericarditis, myocarditis, and vasculitis, can result in fluid accumulation around the heart, leading to CHF.
- Structural defects: Conditions like congenital heart defects, tetralogy of Fallot, and septal defects can disrupt the normal flow of blood, impairing the heart's pumping function.
These are just a few examples of the causes of CHF in pediatric patients. It is important to diagnose and treat these underlying conditions to manage CHF effectively.