Dr. William Wallace Hammill, MD

ECGs are usually done to show the electrical rhythm of the heart. They can also show evidence of heart chamber thickening or enlargement. If a child had a narrowed valve or leaky valve it could affect the heart by either causing thickening or enlargement or both. It is not very specific of a test. If a valve abnormality is suspected then an ultrasound is often done to be able to specifically identify which valve might be affected. If the ECG is abnormal the an ultrasound is often the next test ordered. ECGs are sometimes done in the primary care office. Cardiac ultrasounds are usually done in a pediatric cardiology office.

It is not normal to have chest pain after running however it is not usually a cardiac issue. It is somewhat reassuring that the pain is after running and not during the exercise. Left sided chest pain is usually musculoskeletal and not related to the heart. If the pain is concerning for you as a parent or if it persists or is associated with other symptoms like syncope (passing out) or near syncope then evaluation by your primary care doctor would be encouraged. Your doctor can then help you decide if referral to a cardiologist is needed.

It is possible that it could be heart related, but unlikely if it is intermittent. At that age, most congenital heart problems would present with murmurs and usually poor weight gain. Sometimes there is also cyanosis or blueness that would be always present. Difficulty breathing is often airway related. I would recommend follow-up with your primary care doctor to make sure the lungs sound good and that your son does not have a heart murmur. If she/he detect any problems, then further work-up would be indicated.