About Pediatric Cardiology

Pediatric cardiology encompasses a wide range of heart conditions affecting children, including infections, inflammatory diseases like Kawasaki disease and rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart defects (abnormalities in heart or blood vessel development), and cardiac arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders). Congenital heart disease is the most common heart condition present at birth, impacting the structure and function of a baby’s heart. Paediatric cardiologists utilise various diagnostic and treatment methods, such as cardiac catheterization, echocardiograms, MRIs, and other advanced procedures.

Procedure in Paediatric Cardiology

Heart conditions that arise after birth are known as acquired heart diseases. Pediatric cardiologists perform several procedures to address both congenital and acquired heart disorders, including:

• Cardiac Arrhythmia (Heart Rhythm Disorders): Arrhythmias involve irregular heart rhythms due to abnormalities in the heart’s electrical system, resulting in fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats. These may be congenital or acquired, with infections like Lyme disease and congenital defects being potential causes. Most arrhythmias in children are effectively treatable.

• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining, often caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream. This serious condition can lead to symptoms like flu-like illness, cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

• Kawasaki Disease: Also known as Kawasaki syndrome, this condition primarily affects children under five. It’s a leading cause of acquired heart disease in young children, especially in the U.S. Symptoms include prolonged fever, rash, swelling in the hands and feet, bloodshot eyes, and inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat.

• Rheumatic Heart Disease: Stemming from a Streptococcus bacterial infection, which also causes strep throat and rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease can cause an immune response that damages the heart muscle and valves if not promptly treated.

Pediatric cardiologists manage these and other conditions affecting the cardiovascular health of infants, children, and young adults.