What do you mean by Pediatric Cardiologist?  

Pediatric cardiologists are experts in diagnosing and treating children’s heart problems. They primarily treat structural or rhythm issues in children’s hearts. Pediatric cardiologists are specially trained to detect structural differences and the electrical system that regulates the heartbeat. A pediatric cardiologist will collaborate with your child’s primary care physician. 

Pediatric cardiologists do not perform surgical procedures. Pediatric cardiologists collaborate closely with pediatric cardiology surgeons to determine the best treatments and interventions for children who may need heart surgery. They are also experts in preventing and treating adult heart disease risk factors in children. 

Some symptoms that indicate you should consult a Pediatric Cardiologist 

In the following cases, you should seek care for your child from a pediatric cardiologist: 

• An EKG test reveals unusual changes in your child. 
• If a child suffers from a type of heart disease that necessitates ongoing monitoring and specialized care, such as arrhythmia and heart valve disorders. 
• If a child has had surgery for a congenital heart disease that will require ongoing care into adulthood, you should consult pediatric cardiology surgeons. Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are all risk factors for adult heart disease in your child. 

Pediatric cardiologists also see patients with the following symptoms or conditions: 

• Pain in the chest 
• Cyanosis and Dizziness 
• Passing out or fainting 
• Palpitations, or the sensation that your heart is racing 

• Breathing difficulty 

If your child exhibits any of the above symptoms, you should seek immediate treatment from a pediatric cardiologist. 

What kind of diseases does a Pediatric Cardiologist treat?  

Pediatric cardiology surgeons care for children who have congenital or acquired heart diseases. They search for issues with the heart’s formation or how it beats. A pediatric cardiologist will treat the following conditions and diseases: 

• Arrhythmia: This condition is characterized by irregular heartbeats involving the heart’s electrical system. The heart may beat irregularly, rapidly, or slowly. A child may experience palpitations, weakness, dizziness, and fainting. There are numerous reasons, and the cause determines the treatment. Heart rhythm problems can be caused by infections such as Lyme disease or congenital conditions, and you should visit a pediatric cardiology surgeon. 
• Endocarditis:  This is a heart infection. Bacteria that enter the blood usually cause it. This infection can result in flu-like symptoms such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. Treatment includes using intravenous antibiotics and medications to stabilize heart function for an extended period.  
• Rheumatic heart disease occurs after a strep bacterial infection, most commonly strep throat. An immune system reaction can harm the heart muscle and valves if the infection is not treated promptly. Long-term penicillin therapy and other medications are used to counteract the effects of heart damage. 
• Cardiomyopathy:  This is a heart muscle disorder. There are various types and causes. One common cause of childhood illness is viral infection. Shortness of breath and fatigue are common symptoms. The cause determines the treatment. Heart muscle weakness can run in families. 
• Kawasaki disease: In the United States, this is currently the most common cause of acquired heart disease in infants and young children. The exact cause has yet to be determined. A high fever, rash, swelling of the extremities, bloodshot eyes without crusting, and blood abnormalities are possible symptoms of this condition. Suppose this disease is untreated, which can harm the heart’s coronary arteries and blood vessels. The current treatment is intravenous administration of gamma globulin, an immune system drug. 

Significant tests and procedures that a Pediatric Cardiologist performs:  

Pediatric cardiologists use tools such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and imaging tests to detect heart problems in children. A pediatric cardiologist analyses and performs a wide range of diagnostic and screening tests, such as: 

• Cardiac MRI: It is a noninvasive heart imaging study. It generates detailed images of the heart using powerful magnets and a computer. It is used to plan cardiac surgery, diagnose both acquired and congenital heart problems in detail, and suggests consulting a pediatric cardiology surgeon.
• Electrophysiology: Certain pediatric arrhythmias can be diagnosed and treated using this type of catheter procedure. Energy directed through the catheter is used during this procedure to eliminate an electrical source of abnormal heartbeats within the heart. A pediatric cardiac pacemaker is also implanted during electrophysiology procedures to help stabilize heart rhythms. 

• Cardiac catheterization: A medical procedure involves inserting a long, thin, flexible tube known as a catheter into the heart. Pediatric heart conditions can be diagnosed and treated using a catheter. Without requiring open surgery, small holes in the heart can be repaired through this. A catheter can also be used to replace a heart valve. During catheterization, an intracardiac echocardiogram may be performed. 
• ECMO: A life-saving procedure for children with life-threatening heart or lung problems. ECMO is a heart and lung bypass machine that performs a child’s heart and lungs function while the child recovers from a severe heart or lung disorder. This also works efficiently while waiting for a heart transplant. 

• Echocardiogram: It is a sound wave-based noninvasive heart imaging study. As it works, this test creates an image of a child’s heart. This test detects abnormalities in the structure and function of the heart. This test can be performed from the chest wall or within the esophagus. 

In the preceding article, we discussed pediatric cardiologists and their treatment procedures. We also learned when we should consult pediatric cardiology surgeons. If your child has a heart condition, you can consult Dr. Manvinder Singh Sachdev, the Director, and Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurgaon.