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Pediatric Cardiologists In Dhakuria

Paediatric Cardiology

Best Pediatric Cardiologists In Dhakuria

Paediatric Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning of heart problems in infants, children, and adolescents. Children are affected by heart problems that may be congenital (a problem with which a child is born) or acquired (attained after birth).

A doctor who specialises in this branch is called a paediatric cardiologist. Using devices including echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and imaging examinations, paediatric cardiologists diagnose cardiac problems. These cardiologists are different from those who treat heart problems in adults.

FAQ's

Some common heart disorders with which a baby can be born are: 

  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): The presence of a hole between the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) that can affect the working of the heart. Sometimes VSD may close on its own as the child grows, but if it's too large, then it requires surgery.
  • Atrioventricular Septal Defect (ASD): In this condition, there is a leakage of valves and walls between the upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers of the heart.
  • Coarctation of the Aorta: The primary blood channel that transports blood from the heart to the other regions of the body, the aorta, narrows in coarctation of the aorta.
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Underdevelopment of the left side of the heart in the womb.
  • Pulmonary Atresia: This condition arises when the pulmonary valve that controls the flow of blood from the heart is unformed.
  • Tetralogy of Fallot: Tetralogy of Fallot is characterised by four specific signs: VSD, narrowing of the pulmonary artery, a deviation in the aorta that allows oxygenated blood to enter the body directly instead of going to the lungs first, and thickening of the right lower chamber of the heart (right ventricle).
  • Tricuspid Atresia: A defect in which the valve that controls blood flow from the heart’s right upper chamber (right atrium) to its right lower chamber (right ventricle) does not develop.
  • Truncus Arteriosus: This defect occurs when the aorta and the pulmonary artery form a single, fused artery. A ventricular septal defect is also present in this condition, and it causes oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to get mixed.
  • Cardiac Arrhythmia or Irregular Heartbeats (Heart-rhythm Disorder): Arrhythmias can be both congenital and acquired conditions in children. These can cause the heart to beat too quickly or too slowly. A child with arrhythmia may faint, have weakness, and have dizziness.
  • Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a syndrome that affects the heart muscle, affecting the pumping of the heart.
  • Endocarditis: In this condition, a bacterial infection develops in the inner lining of the heart. Children may have symptoms of cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Antibiotics in the bloodstream are used to treat endocarditis. A child may need valve surgery if there is severe valve dysfunction.
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): Streptococcus bacteria are responsible for causing RHD. If rheumatic heart disease is ignored, an immunocompromised system reaction can damage the heart muscle and heart valves.

You can expect the following diagnostic tests in Paediatric Cardiology:

  • Cardiac Catheterization: A catheter (long tube) is inserted into an artery or vein (either in the groyne or arm) and threaded through the blood vessels into the heart.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Another important test is Cardiac MRI, which creates precise images of the heart structure.
  • Echocardiogram (ECG): This test is used to check the workings of the heart using high-frequency.
  • Foetal Cardiology: When the kid is still in the womb, these tests can identify cardiac issues.

Most congenital heart disorders can be detected during the 18–20 weeks of pregnancy. Echocardiography can help diagnose heart disorders. Pregnant women who are suffering from diabetes, deficiency disorders, or have other children with cardiac disorders need to undergo these tests.

You need to contact a paediatric cardiologist when your child has the following symptoms:

  • Murmur in the heart
  • Turns blue
  • Poor growth
  • Weight loss 
  • Uncomfortable breathing
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Chest pain
  • Quick fatigue
  • Fainting
  • Dizziness

Some of the treatments that paediatric cardiologists may provide include:

  • Medications: Paediatric cardiologists may prescribe medications to help manage heart conditions such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and high blood pressure.
  • Procedures: Paediatric cardiologists may perform procedures such as Cardiac Catheterization, Electrophysiology Studies, and Device Implantation to diagnose and treat heart conditions.
  • Surgery: Paediatric cardiologists may work closely with paediatric cardiac surgeons to perform surgeries such as Heart Valve Repair or Replacement, Congenital Heart Defect Repair, and Heart Transplant.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Paediatric cardiologists may work with patients and families to develop lifestyle changes that can help manage heart conditions, such as diet and exercise modifications.
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation: Paediatric cardiologists may refer patients to cardiac rehabilitation programmes, which can help improve cardiovascular fitness and overall health.