Leading-Edge Pediatric Cardiology Care With Heart
Nothing weighs heavier on a parent’s heart than worry. When your child’s heart health comes into question, you want answers, reassurance and a leading pediatric cardiac care program on your side. Within the AdventHealth network, you and your family can find peace of mind knowing that the center of your world is in the care of some of the world’s leading heart care experts. From heart murmurs and chest pain to common and complex types of congenital heart disease, our pediatric cardiologists specialize in using the latest cardiovascular diagnostic tools, therapeutic procedures and surgical techniques.
Beyond treating your child with the best pediatric cardiac care, every member of our dedicated team understands that none of this is easy — for you or your child. It’s why our pediatric spaces are designed with your child’s youthful spirits in mind, from our colorful settings and creative activities to our unique kid-friendly technology. Through trying times and good times, we’re here to keep your family safe and comfortable.
What is Pediatric Cardiology?
Pediatric cardiology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating and managing heart conditions in infants, children and adolescents. Pediatric cardiologists are trained to handle a wide range of congenital heart defects and acquired heart problems in young patients.
Pediatric Cardiology Experts Who Put Your Child First
- From Fetal Cardiology to Adult Cardiovascular Care
-
As a parent, you want answers now. It’s why AdventHealth has invested in the fastest, most accurate child cardiology diagnostic tests and imaging technology in the industry, so you have access to same-day test results as often as possible. Your child's heart care specialist will approach every visit and every test with patience, child-friendly techniques and little details that make a big impact on your child's comfort level.
We’re equipped with the latest in testing, imaging and minimally invasive diagnostic technology across our full-service labs, imaging centers and pediatric cardiac care programs:
- Echocardiogram: This test uses ultrasound waves to help the cardiologist visualize your child’s heart anatomy and function. It can identify many abnormalities in the heart, such as a hole or abnormalities in the chambers or valves.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): This painless electrophysiology test tracks the electrical activity produced by the heart, helping detect cardiac chamber enlargement and abnormal heart rhythms.
- Event Monitoring: Many of us have seen a doctor for specific symptoms, but those symptoms aren’t present during the visit. In these cases, your pediatric cardiologist may recommend that the heart be monitored for a longer period of time using a small, portable device.
- Holter Monitoring: To assess the heart’s rhythm over a 24-hour period, a monitor with five small electrodes is attached to your child’s chest to detect palpitations, irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias and other abnormalities of rate and rhythm.
- Prenatal Diagnostics: Using the latest advances in diagnostics, including fetal echocardiography, our prenatal diagnostics team can investigate potential heart problems while they’re still in the womb. Our imaging team can capture images and data that will help them accurately diagnose the problem so they can develop a course of treatment.
- Stress Test: For young adults, a stress test may be recommended. During this test, your child will walk, jog or run on a treadmill while vital signs and EKG are monitored to determine how exercise affects cardiac performance.
- Pediatric Heart Conditions and Diseases We Treat
-
Your child has your heart from the second they're born. So when their heart needs extra care, our team has the knowledge, tools and compassion to find answers, solutions and hope. Each year, more than one million babies worldwide are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Within the AdventHealth network of children's cardiac care, our pediatric cardiologists, pediatric interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists are board-certified and nationally recognized for helping newborns, adolescents and young adults with a wide variety of heart disorders and congenital heart defects.
From diagnosis and leading-edge treatments to comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation, the experts leading the congenital heart disease programs within our system are dedicated to helping you and your family overcome the following types of heart conditions and cardiomyopathy in children:
- Arteriosus
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart failure
- Heart murmurs
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Patent ductus
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
- Pulmonary atresia
- Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
- Transposition of the great arteries
- Tricuspid atresia
- Truncus arteriosus
- Valve-sparing repair of tetralogy of Fallot
- Ventricular septal defect
- Proven Cardiac Care Options to Treat Heart Disorders in Children
-
We’re here to help you stay hopeful in the face of a congenital heart condition diagnosis. Because with today’s advances in medicine and technology, the chances are better than ever that your resilient little guy or girl will overcome and manage their heart condition and go on to lead a healthy life.
Within the AdventHealth network of care, we’ve brought in some of the best experts in the world to help us deliver the highest level of pediatric cardiac treatments possible. From inpatient to outpatient care, our treatment environments are designed with them in mind. No matter your child's diagnosis or what kind of treatment your pediatric heart care team prescribes, you and your family will always experience the same level of person-to-person care and follow-up that makes our patients stay a part of our AdventHealth community long after they leave our care.
Because no two diagnoses are the same, your primary care provider and pediatric cardiologist will closely monitor your child’s condition and recommend the best course of treatment. Cardiovascular treatments can include:
- Medications
- Cardiac catheterization
- Therapies
- Heart surgery
- Heart transplant
As your child grows older, they may need to transition to a cardiologist who cares for adults. Our pediatric cardiologists will be there every step of the way, making sure the transition from pediatric to adult care is a smooth one. Our cardiologists see both pediatric and adult congenital heart disease patients, so the team you come to know and love may be the team you trust for lifelong, expert heart care.
Children’s Health Care You Can Count On
When your child’s heart health comes into question, you want answers, reassurance and a leading pediatric cardiac care program on your side. Within the AdventHealth network, you and your family can find peace of mind knowing that the center of your world is in the care of some of the world’s leading cardiovascular experts.
Your Home for Comprehensive Pediatric Care
Learn more about other AdventHealth Pediatric Care
-
Pediatric Cancer Center and Blood Disorders
Our pediatric cancer centers are designed for your child’s health and happiness. Our dedicated team supports child-centered care, personalized patient navigation and access to the latest pediatric cancer treatments and clinical trials
-
Pediatric Orthopedics
Bumps and bruises may be normal parts of being a kid. But when bandages and ice can't make it all better, our pediatric orthopedic specialists are here with knowledge, compassion and a whole-person approach to your child's treatment.
-
General Pediatrics
We offer both general and advanced pediatric care tailored to your child’s health care needs. Everyone on our highly trained pediatric team is focused on healing your child with care and compassion.
Answers to Pediatric Cardiology Care FAQs
-
Q:Question: What should I expect at a pediatric cardiology appointment?
A:Answer:At a pediatric cardiology appointment, you can expect to provide a detailed medical history, and discuss symptoms or concerns with the cardiologist. The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and may conduct diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, pulse oximetry or blood tests. Based on the findings, the cardiologist will explain the diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and outline a follow-up plan.
This appointment is an opportunity to ask questions and receive educational materials about your child's heart health, conditions and health care plan. Coordination with your child's primary care doctor or other specialists may also be arranged for ongoing care and monitoring.
-
Q:Question: How common is it for a child to have a heart condition?
A:Answer:Heart conditions in children, particularly congenital heart defects (CHDs), are relatively common. Here are some key statistics:
- Congenital heart defects: CHDs are the most common type of birth defect. Approximately 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 babies are born with a congenital heart defect. This translates to about 40,000 babies per year in the United States alone.
- Acquired heart conditions: While less common than congenital defects, children can develop acquired heart conditions such as rheumatic heart disease, Kawasaki disease and myocarditis. These conditions can result from infections, inflammation or other diseases.
- Arrhythmias: Heart rhythm problems, or arrhythmias, can also occur in children, although they are less common than structural heart defects.
- Treatment: Some heart conditions in children are minor and may resolve on their own or require minimal treatment, while others can be severe and require ongoing medical care, medication or surgery.
Regular prenatal care, early detection through screening, and advances in pediatric cardiology have significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment outcomes for children with heart conditions.
-
Q:Question: How can I support long-term heart health for my child?
A:Answer:Supporting long-term heart health for your child involves promoting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, along with encouraging regular physical activity and limiting sedentary time. Regular checkups are critical to recognizing potential heart problem symptoms.
Educating your child about heart-healthy habits and providing emotional support within the family are important, along with setting a good example by adopting healthy behaviors as a family.