Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Paediatric Cardiology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular disorders in foetuses, newborns, children, adolescents, and young adults. They can be either acquired (meaning they develop after birth) or congenital (meaning they are present from birth and affect the heart and blood vessels).
Since birth, several babies have had congenital heart defects. Additionally, certain kids face problems with the electrical impulses that control their heart rate. To deliver complete care, collaboration with paediatric heart surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists is typical. The well-being and outcomes of young patients are enhanced through research and innovation in this region. Additionally, paediatric cardiologists have a crucial role in advising families and developing lasting treatment strategies for children with heart conditions.
Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, has the best team of paediatric cardiologists skilled in diagnosing and treating such cases using advanced techniques, enhancing treatment outcomes.
Specialists in the Paediatric Cardiology Department are skilled in identifying and managing a variety of conditions that may impact your child's heart. A few conditions are as follows:
Congenital heart conditions: A diverse array of heart conditions are present in newborns, varying in severity and urgency. While certain cases are complex and require urgent treatment, others are less severe and can be easily managed.
Arrhythmias: Your child may experience abnormal heart rhythms caused by a faulty electrical system in their heart. These heart rhythms may be either too fast or too slow or they may include additional or skipped beats. While most paediatric arrhythmias are not concerning, some may require medical attention to prevent more serious problems.
Cardiomyopathy: This set of conditions affects the heart muscle of the child. The muscle can be overly thick, too big, or too stiff. As a result, a child's heart may not function as effectively and struggle to circulate an adequate amount of blood throughout the body.
Elevated blood pressure: Excessive blood flow in the child's arteries leads to elevated blood pressure. Hypertension can impact the entire body (systemic hypertension) or certain areas, like the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
To fully comprehend the child's cardiac health, a paediatric cardiologist will assess their vital signs, conduct a non-invasive heart assessment, review their medical history, and administer pre-planned examinations. They may order certain diagnostic tests, such as:
Echocardiography
The doctors employ a harmless technique called an echocardiogram or echo, to evaluate your child's heart structure and performance. This form of assessment, called echocardiography, is suitable for children of any age, including foetuses and infants.
An ECG
The ECG allows healthcare professionals to interpret cardiac rhythms, observe the heart's electrical signals, and assess the heart's chamber expansion.
Chest X-ray
Doctors can examine the heart, bones, and lungs via an X-ray. The size of the heart is one of the many details that our doctor can learn through this test.
Sometimes, a child may not experience any symptoms of congenital heart disease. However, several heart conditions do have identifiable symptoms. If the child or you observe any of the following signs of cardiac concern, you should consult a pediatric cardiologist immediately:
Dizziness
Heart palpitations
Fatigue
Fainting
Chest pain
Excessive or rapid breathing, particularly during physical activity
Seizures
Among several factors, here are some listed:
Childhood obesity is a major risk factor for developing heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and Type 2 diabetes
Genetics and family history can influence the risk of heart disease
Regular check-ups with a paediatrician are crucial in identifying and monitoring potential risks
Factors such as diet, physical activity, and exposure to tobacco smoke should all be considered when making lifestyle choices
Screening for cholesterol is essential since it helps identify risk factors
Medications can be used to manage the symptoms and complications of congenital heart defects, both before and after cardiac surgery. Some examples of medications for congenital heart defects are:
Blood pressure medications: Some examples include ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers), beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors
Diuretics: This medication reduces body fluid retention, easing the heart's workload
Medications for cardiac rhythm: These drugs, called antiarrhythmics, aid in regulating an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat
Treatments for serious congenital heart impairments include:
Cardiac Catheterization:
In this type of treatment, catheters, which are flexible and thin tubes, correct defects without the need for invasive heart surgery
This process entails repairing openings or narrowing in the heart
Catheters are guided to the heart by being placed into a blood vessel, typically in the groyne
Heart Surgery:
This is a minimally invasive or open-heart procedure carried out to correct heart defects
The particular heart defect determines the type of surgery needed
Heart Transplant:
It is recommended when a significant problem with the heart is not treatable.
Cardiac Intervention:
This is done during pregnancy to minimise difficulties or fix abnormalities in the heart
It is very uncommon and only carried out under certain serious conditions
The outlook for children with heart conditions has greatly improved due to medical progress, and with the right attention and continuous monitoring, a lot of people can have a dynamic and well-being lifestyle. Timely intervention and detection are crucial, and some children may require lifelong follow-up and multiple procedures or surgeries under the care of a cardiologist. Regular check-ups are important for managing and addressing any potential concerns. In general, the majority of children with heart issues can lead a satisfactory life and experience normal development when given proper treatment.
Home Dhakuria Specialities Paediatric-and-child-care Paediatric-cardiology-2