Pediatric Cardiology

What Is Pediatric Cardiology?

Pediatric cardiology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart conditions in children—from birth through adolescence. Pediatric cardiologists are trained to handle both congenital (present at birth) and acquired (developed later) heart diseases, ensuring that young hearts receive expert, age-appropriate care.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for ensuring that children with heart conditions lead healthy and active lives.

Common Pediatric Heart Conditions

Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)

These are structural problems in the heart present at birth.

Examples include:

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – hole in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – hole in the lower chamber wall
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) – abnormal blood flow between heart and lungs
• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) – a combination of four heart defects
• Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) – reversed positions of main heart vessels
• Coarctation of the Aorta – narrowing of the aorta

Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms that may be too fast, too slow, or irregular.

Examples:

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
• Long QT syndrome
• Bradycardia

Cardiomyopathy

A disease of the heart muscle that can cause the heart to become enlarged, thickened, or stiff, affecting its ability to pump blood.

Heart Murmurs

Unusual heart sounds that may be harmless (innocent murmurs) or indicate underlying heart defects.

Rheumatic Heart Disease

A complication of untreated streptococcal throat infection, leading to damage of the heart valves.

Kawasaki Disease and MIS-C

Inflammatory conditions that can affect the heart, particularly the coronary arteries, and are more common in younger children.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Heart Problem in Children

• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Poor feeding or failure to thrive in infants
• Blue lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
• Fatigue or fainting during activity
• Chest pain
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes
• Delayed growth or development

Note: Some heart problems may be silent and only detected during a routine check-up or screening.

Diagnosis in Pediatric Cardiology

Pediatric cardiologists use various tests to assess heart function and detect abnormalities:

• Echocardiogram (echo): Ultrasound of the heart
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records electrical activity of the heart
• Chest X-ray: Shows heart size and lung condition
• Pulse oximetry: Measures oxygen level in blood
• Holter monitor: 24-48 hour ECG monitoring
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Advanced imaging for complex heart defects
• Cardiac catheterization: A minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the child’s specific heart condition and overall health.

Medications

• To manage symptoms like high blood pressure, arrhythmias, or heart failure
• Blood thinners or diuretics as needed

Interventional Cardiology

• Catheter-based procedures to repair defects without open-heart surgery (e.g., device closure of ASD or PDA, balloon angioplasty)

Surgery

• Required for complex congenital defects
• Performed by pediatric cardiac surgeons with specialized training

Lifestyle and Monitoring

• Some children need long-term follow-up to monitor growth, development, and heart health
• Diet, physical activity, and regular check-ups are tailored to each child's needs

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Pediatric Cardiology?

At Aster Hospitals, we provide comprehensive and compassionate heart care for children through a highly skilled team of pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, and specialized nursing staff. Using advanced diagnostic tools such as 3D echocardiography and fetal echocardiograms, we ensure early and accurate detection of heart conditions. Our expertise covers the full spectrum of congenital heart defects, from simple to complex, with access to minimally invasive procedures and cutting-edge catheterization labs. Critically ill infants and children receive dedicated support in our NICU and PICU. We also offer holistic support through counseling, nutrition, and rehabilitation services. At Aster, our mission is to help your child grow up with a healthy heart and a future full of possibilities.