Services
Pediatric Cardiology Outpatient Clinics typically provide diagnosis, treatment, and management for a wide range of cardiac conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. Here is a list of services & conditions commonly treated at a Pediatric Cardiology Outpatient Clinic.
Services
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart. It provides detailed information about the structure and function of the heart, allowing cardiologists to evaluate the size, shape, and movement of the heart chambers, valves, and blood vessels.
Echocardiograms are valuable in diagnosing various heart conditions in children, including congenital heart defects, valve abnormalities, and heart muscle disorders.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
An electrocardiogram is a painless and non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It involves placing electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs to record the heart’s electrical signals.
An ECG helps detect abnormal heart rhythms, identify conduction abnormalities, and assess the overall heart function. It is commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various cardiac conditions, including arrhythmias and heart muscle abnormalities.
Stress Test (Exercise Test)
A stress test, also known as an exercise test, evaluates how the heart performs during physical activity. It involves monitoring the heart’s electrical activity and blood pressure while the child exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike. Stress tests help assess the heart’s response to exercise, identify abnormal heart rhythms under stress, and evaluate exercise tolerance in children with known or suspected heart conditions.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a portable device used to continuously record the heart’s electrical activity (ECG) over a period of 24 to 48 hours, or sometimes longer. It typically consists of electrodes placed on the chest, which are connected to a small recording device worn by the patient. The Holter monitor records the ECG signals throughout the monitoring period, capturing any abnormal heart rhythms or patterns that may occur during daily activities.
After the monitoring period, the recorded data is analyzed by a cardiologist to assess the heart’s function and detect any potential abnormalities.
Remote Cardiac Monitor
A remote cardiac monitor is a more advanced device that allows for continuous, real-time monitoring of the heart’s electrical activity over an extended period, often for several weeks or even months. Similar to a Holter monitor, it uses electrodes placed on the chest to record the ECG signals. However, the main difference is that a remote cardiac monitor is equipped with wireless technology that enables the transmission of the recorded data to a monitoring center or healthcare provider in real-time or at regular intervals.
This allows for remote monitoring and immediate detection of any concerning cardiac events or abnormalities. Remote cardiac monitors are particularly useful for patients who experience infrequent or sporadic symptoms, as they provide a more comprehensive and prolonged assessment of the heart’s electrical activity.
Fetal Echocardiogram
A fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound examination that evaluates the structure and function of the fetal heart during pregnancy. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that provides detailed images of the developing fetal heart, allowing for the early detection and diagnosis of potential heart abnormalities.
Conditions Treated
Congenital Heart Defects
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
- Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Coarctation of the aorta
Acquired Heart Diseases
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Kawasaki disease
- Myocarditis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Infective endocarditis
Heart Rhythm Disorders
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Bradycardia
- Long QT syndrome
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Structural Heart Abnormalities
- Valvular heart diseases (e.g., aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation)
- Pulmonary valve stenosis
- Ebstein’s anomaly
- Double outlet right ventricle (DORV)
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
- Single ventricle defects
Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Irregular heartbeats
- Conduction system abnormalities
Chest Pain and Palpitations
- Evaluation and management of chest pain and palpitations in children
Cardiac Evaluation for Systemic Diseases
- Cardiac screening for genetic or syndromic conditions
- Cardiovascular assessment in children with systemic diseases (e.g., Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome)
Follow-up Care for Patients with Cardiac Surgery or Intervention
- Postoperative follow-up care for patients who have undergone cardiac surgery or interventional procedures
- Monitoring of repaired or palliated congenital heart defects