What is pediatric cardiology?
Pediatric cardiology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart problems in children, from newborns to adolescents. Pediatric cardiologists are specialists trained in the care of heart diseases and disorders that can occur in children. This specialty focuses on heart problems that are specific to children’s age and development.
Pediatric cardiology covers a wide range of heart conditions, including but not limited to:
Congenital heart defects in children
These are heart defects that are born with the child and often require diagnosis and treatment in early childhood.
Syndromes with heart problems
Some genetic or syndromic diseases can be accompanied by heart problems, and pediatric cardiologists deal with the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Infectious and inflammatory heart diseases in children
This specialty also includes the diagnosis and treatment of heart problems that result from infections or inflammation of the heart.
Heart rhythm problems in children
Pediatric cardiologists deal with heart rhythm disorders in children, including arrhythmias and other heart problems that affect the normal rhythm.
Blood vessel problems in children
This includes diseases of the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart, such as atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases.
Hemodynamic problems of children
Pediatric cardiologists monitor the hemodynamic aspects of heart problems, such as problems with circulation and pressure in the heart.
Pediatric cardiology is essential because heart problems can significantly affect the health and life of children. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment by a pediatric cardiologist can mean the difference between recovery and serious complications. Pediatric cardiologists work in collaboration with other pediatric specialists to provide comprehensive medical care for children with heart problems.
Symptoms for which you should consult a pediatric cardiologist
There are several symptoms and signs that should prompt parents or guardians to contact a pediatric cardiologist for evaluation and eventual diagnosis of heart problems in children. Some of these symptoms include:
Difficulty in the child’s breathing
If the child has difficulty breathing, especially with exertion, or if the lips or skin often turn blue, this may indicate a heart problem.
A child’s fast or irregular heartbeat
If you notice that your child’s heart rate becomes fast or irregular, it could be a sign of an arrhythmia or another heart problem.
Fatigue and weakness in children
Children who tire quickly during physical exertion, or those who often appear exhausted and without energy, may have a heart problem.
Pain in the child’s chest
Although chest pain in children is not a common symptom of heart problems, it can indicate certain heart problems and should be carefully considered.
Swollen legs, ankles or abdomen of the child
Swelling in different parts of the body can be a sign of heart failure or other heart problems.
Inability to gain weight or weight loss
Children with heart problems can sometimes have trouble gaining or even losing weight because the heart can’t pump enough blood to support normal growth and development.
Decreased appetite
Loss of appetite in children can be a sign of heart problems, as the heart can affect blood circulation and oxygen intake.
Infections of the respiratory system
Recurrent respiratory infections can be linked to heart problems in children.
It’s important to note that many of these symptoms can be caused by other health problems, but it’s definitely important to consult a pediatric cardiologist if you notice any of these symptoms in your child.
How long does a pediatric cardiologist’s examination take?
The duration of an examination at a cardiologist can vary significantly depending on the reason for the examination, the age of the child, medical history, and the doctor himself. Typically, pediatric cardiologist appointments usually last between 15 minutes to an hour or more.
Here are the factors that can affect the duration of the review:
Reason for examination: If the examination is scheduled for routine examination and monitoring of development, the duration will usually be shorter, usually around 15-30 minutes. However, if a more serious heart problem is suspected, the examination may take longer.
Age of the child: Examinations of infants and young children usually take less time because the child is less cooperative and cannot provide as much detailed information. Examinations of older children may be longer because better communication and more detailed discussion of symptoms and medical history can be achieved.
Diagnostic tests: If the child’s cardiologist orders additional diagnostic tests such as echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiogram (ECG), or Holter monitoring, this may increase the duration of the examination.
Complexity of the problem: If a serious heart problem is suspected that requires a more thorough evaluation, the exam will be longer to adequately address symptoms, review test results, and discuss treatment options.
It is important that parents or guardians are prepared for the examination and have all relevant information about the child’s health ready, including symptoms, medical history and any previous tests or diagnoses.
What does a pediatric cardiologist’s examination include?
A pediatric cardiologist’s examination includes a series of steps and procedures aimed at assessing the health of the heart and blood vessels in children. Here’s what to expect during your pediatric cardiologist appointment:
Anamnesis of the child
A pediatric cardiologist will begin the examination by asking questions about your child’s medical history, including information about symptoms, past illnesses and diagnoses, family history of heart problems, and other relevant information.
Physical examination of the child
The cardiologist will carefully examine your child, including auscultation (listening) to the heart and lungs. They will also assess pulse, blood pressure and the appearance of the heart and lungs.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) of the child
In most cases, a cardiologist will order an EKG to see the heart’s electrical activity. It is a painless test that helps evaluate the heart rhythm and can detect any abnormalities.
Echocardiography of children
If necessary, the pediatric cardiologist can order an echocardiography, which is an ultrasound examination of the heart. This test provides a detailed view of the heart and blood vessels, which helps identify structural problems or heart defects.
Laboratory tests
In some cases, laboratory tests, such as blood tests, may be needed to further evaluate the health of the heart.
Holter monitoring of children
For patients who have intermittent symptoms such as fainting or irregular heartbeats, a pediatric cardiologist may order Holter monitoring, where a device is worn that continuously monitors the heart’s activity for 24 or 48 hours.
Discussion and recommendations
After the examination and all relevant tests, the pediatric cardiologist will discuss the results and diagnosis with you. If a problem is identified, the cardiologist will consider treatment options and monitor your child during the next steps.
Potential risks related to specific procedures in pediatric cardiology
Pediatric cardiology involves a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used to evaluate and treat heart problems in children. Although these procedures are often safe and very beneficial, there are potential risks and complications that can occur. Here are some of the potential risks associated with specific procedures in pediatric cardiology:
Infections: Any procedure that involves an invasive approach, such as cardiac catheterization or surgical procedures, carries a risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to strictly adhere to hygienic and aseptic measures in order to reduce the risk of infection.
Bleeding or hematomas: After procedures such as cardiac catheterization, bleeding may occur at the site where the catheter was inserted. In rare cases, this bleeding can be serious and require additional interventions.
Allergic reactions: Contrast media used during some diagnostic procedures can cause allergic reactions in some children.
Risk of serious cardiac complications: In the case of therapeutic procedures, such as heart surgery, there is a risk of serious cardiac complications, including arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and heart attacks.
Reactions to anesthesia: If the procedure is under general anesthesia, there is a risk of reactions to anesthesia, including respiratory problems or reactions to anesthetic drugs.
Damage to blood vessels or heart: During cardiac catheterization, there is a risk of damage to blood vessels or heart structures, which may require additional procedures to repair.
Radiation: Diagnostic procedures that use X-rays or fluoroscopy expose the child to radiation, which can increase the risk of long-term effects, especially if the procedures are frequent.
Psychological impact: For children, especially those who are younger, medical procedures can be emotionally stressful. This can have an impact on the child’s emotional well-being.
It is important to note that pediatric cardiologists and medical procedure teams in pediatric cardiology carefully evaluate the risks and benefits and work to reduce the risks as much as possible. Before deciding on any procedure, parents or guardians should have a full understanding of the risks and talk with the medical team to set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about their children’s treatment.
Is special preparation required for a pediatric cardiologist examination?
Collect medical history: Prepare all relevant medical information about your child’s health, including previous illnesses, surgeries, therapies or allergies. This will help the doctor better understand your child’s health situation.
Proper dressing: The clothes your child wears should be comfortable and easy to remove so the doctor can easily examine the heart and lungs.
Preparing questions: Consider in advance the questions you want to ask the doctor. For example, you may want to ask about diet, physical activity, or any other heart health concerns you have.
Bring relevant documentation: If your child has already had previous cardiac examinations, bring all relevant medical records, examinations, x-rays or other diagnostic results with you.
Preparing the child: Try to explain to your child that he is going to see a doctor and try to calm him down. You could tell him that the doctors are helping him take care of his health and that he doesn’t need to worry.
Follow the doctor’s instructions: If the doctor has given any special instructions regarding the preparation, such as dietary restrictions or taking certain medications, it is important to follow those instructions.
Seeing a pediatric cardiologist can be an important step in keeping your child’s heart healthy, so it’s important to prepare well to take advantage of this opportunity to properly assess your child’s health and ask any questions you may have.
