Pediatric Cardiology

What is pediatric cardiology?

This is a subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on diseases and conditions of the heart and circulatory system which affect infants, children, and adolescents. Medical doctors who specialize in this specialty are known as pediatric cardiologists.

What conditions are treated?

Congenital heart defects Valvular heart disease, Heart failure, Coronary Sinus Atrial Septal Defects, Aortopulmonary Septal Defect, Electrophysiology, Coronary artery disease, Acquired Mitral Stenosis, Myocardial Infarction in Childhood, Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defects, Atrioventricular Node Reentry Supraventricular Tachycardia, Commotio Cordis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From the Pulmonary Artery, Coarctation of the AortaInterrupted Aortic Arch, Double-Chambered Right Ventricle, Congenital Mitral Stenosis, Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection, Coronary Artery Fistula, Double Orifice Mitral Valve, Valvar Pulmonary Stenosis, Double Outlet Right Ventricle With Normally Related Great Arteries, Velocardiofacial Syndrome, Double Aortic Arch, Coronary Artery Anomalies, Double Outlet Right Ventricle With Transposition, Endocardial Fibroelastosis, Heterotaxy Syndrome and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, High Altitude Pulmonary HypertensionInfundibular Pulmonary Stenosis, Williams Syndrome, Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia, Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect, Ostium Primum Atrial Septal Defects, Pediatric Atrial Ectopic Tachycardia, Pediatric Atrial Flutter, Truncus Arteriosus, Ventricular Inversion, Pediatric Aortic Valve Insufficiency, Ventricular Septal Defects.

Devices used in pediatric cardiology

Stethoscope: This is an acoustic device which the pediatric cardiologist uses to listen to the internal sounds such as heart sounds. It can also be used to listen for bowel sounds, lung sounds and bruits (renal and carotid).

EKG calipers: This is a device used to measure intervals and also compare intervals on EKGs.

Pacemaker: This is an electrical device which is implanted to replace the natural pacemaker of the heart.

Defibrillator: This is an electrical device which alters the heart’s rhythm using electrical energy. It is used to top fibrillation of the heart.

Diagnostic tests and procedures

Echocardiogram: – a sound wave picture to check the structure and function of the heart.Ambulatory 

ECG: This is a test, which is done during activity to look for any abnormal heart rhythms.

Exercise test: This is a test to measure if the heart is functioning well. 

Cardiac Catheterization: This test involves placing a small tube (catheter) in or near the heart for closer observation. It can also e used to relieve the blockage.

Blood tests: This includes testing the levels of cholesterol, Creatine kinase, and Troponin .

Echocardiography (echo): This test inspects the heart’s chambers and blood flow.

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): This is an echocardiogram of the heart via the thorax. It is a noninvasive procedure and takes a short time.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): This is an echocardiogram of the heart through the esophagus. It can require general anesthesia or sedation.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR): An MRI of the heart utilizes the ECG to observe specific mechanical functions of the heart.

Auscultation: This test involves listening to sounds such as heart sounds using a stethoscope.

Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes which are placed on the skin