Pediatric Cardiology: What It Is and What to Expect During a Visit

When you visit your pediatrician, then he/she has an issue about your child’s heart, there is a high chance that you might be referred to a pediatric cardiologist. Most parents and their children have no clue about what goes on during such a visit.

Do not fret; hopefully, you will get some clarity regarding what goes on during the visit. But before we see what happens during your visit, let’s define some terms.

Pediatric Cardiology, In a Nutshell

Pediatric cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the heart in your growing child. Therefore, a pediatric cardiologist can broadly treat arrhythmias (variations in heartbeat rhythm), congenital heart disease, and circulatory function disturbances.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Cardiology-related tests are typically pain-free, and they allow our pediatric cardiologist to view your child’s heart better.

During the visit, our pediatric cardiologist will check your child’s medical history. After completion, your child’s vital signs will be taken. Then the pre-ordered tests will be taken. Some of those tests might include:

• Echocardiography

The echo, also known as the echocardiogram, is a completely safe and painless test that helps our doctor evaluate your child’s heart’s function and anatomy. The echocardiogram is a common test that can be done to all children, including fetuses and neonates.

• Electrocardiogram

The electrocardiogram, also known as EKG, allows our doctor to read heart rhythms, see the heart’s electricity, and see the heart chambers’ enlargement.

• Chest X-ray

An X-ray can be done so that our doctor can see your heart, bones, and lungs. Our doctor can gather a lot of information about the heart, including the size.

Common Heart Conditions

Here are some of the common heart conditions that get your child referred to a pediatric cardiologist:

• Heart murmurs
• Chest pain
• Palpitations or abnormal heart rate
• Dizziness and fainting
• Congenital heart defects
• Myocarditis

After the Visit

Based on the results, our doctor will discuss the follow-up and treatment plans. You also have the chance to ask any questions, for you to understand your child’s condition.

If you need more information, call our doctor at the Children’s Center for Holistic Heart Health in Paramus, NJ.