Frequently Asked Questions
- What is pediatric cardiology?
- What is congenital heart disease?
- What causes congenital heart disease?
- How common is congenital heart disease?
- What is a heart murmur?
- What tests might my child need if seen by a specialist in Pediatric Cardiology?
- What is an echocardiogram?
- What does cardiac catheterization mean?
- Why would a child need an exercise stress test?
- Can heart problems be detected in my unborn baby?
- Are there other types of heart problems that my child can develop, even if he/she was not born with a congenital heart defect?
- Can "minimally invasive" heart surgery be performed on children?
- What are other sources of information
on heart disease in children?
- Do you have a specific question for one of our doctors?
What is pediatric cardiology?
Pediatric Cardiology deals with heart problems in babies (including unborn babies), children and adolescents, including structural, functional, and rhythm (heartbeat) problems. Of all heart problems in children, congenital heart defects (those present at birth) are the most common, afflicting some 30-35,000 children each year in the US. Because congenital heart disease requires special expertise for diagnosis and treatment, "pediatric" cardiology may also extend to adults with congenital heart disease.
Back to TopWhat is congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease simply means that a baby is born with some type of abnormality of the heart. There is a wide variety of different types of congenital heart disease; ranging from some forms that can be very serious and require urgent treatment in the newborn period to minor problems that may resolve on their own. [See a related link]
Back to TopWhat causes congenital heart disease?
Development of the heart is a very complicated process. We are just now beginning to understand some of the basic mechanisms involved, but the answers will depend on future research in this area.
Back to TopHow common is congenital heart disease?
In the United States, nearly one out of every 100 babies is born with some form of heart defect, making congenital heart disease the single most common form of birth defect.
Back to TopWhat is a heart murmur?
A heart murmur simply means that we hear an extra sound when we listen to the heart. There are many types of heart murmurs. Most structural heart abnormalities cause specific types of murmurs. However, not every murmur is a sign of a heart problem, especially in children. A heart murmur can be a completely normal sound (in that case, we call it an innocent or normal heat murmur).
Back to TopWhat tests might my child need if seen by a specialist in Pediatric Cardiology?
Depending on the particular problem, sometimes a simple detailed history and physical examination is enough to rule out heart problems. However, a variety of routine tests may be necessary, including an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and/or chest x-ray. More specialized tests include exercise testing, Holter monitoring (24 hour recording of the heart beat), MRI and/or cardiac catheterization.
Back to TopWhat is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a painless, non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to study the structure and function of the heart. Since the hearts of babies and children are so much different that adult hearts, it is important to have this test done in a laboratory that is experienced in pediatrics echocardiography.
Back to TopWhat does cardiac catheterization mean?
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive test in which a specially-trained cardiologist places thin, flexible tubes (catheters) through the blood vessels (arteries and veins) and manipulates them inside the heart. This is done using special x-ray equipment. The catheters allow cardiologists to obtain information about pressures in the heart and blood vessels, blood oxygen levels, and blood flows. Interventional cardiac catheterization also allow therapy of selected heart problems that in the past were approached by surgery.
Back to TopWhy would a child need an exercise stress test?
Exercise testing may be used to evaluate the heart and lung function of children. This is especially important in children with heart muscle damage or injury, complex structural heart problems, and rhythm (heartbeat) problems. Our pediatric exercise laboratory uses a stationary bicycle and our staff is specially trained to evaluate children.
Back to TopCan heart problems be detected in my unborn baby?
For women with certain risks or problems detected by their obstetrician, special fetal echocardiograms can be performed to evaluate the baby's heart while in the womb. Your obstetrician can advise you as to whether or not a fetal echocardiogram might be necessary.
Back to TopAre there other types of heart problems that my child can develop, even if he/she was not born with a congenital heart defect?
There are many different types of acquired heart disease that can affect children. Most of these are related to inflammatory diseases such as acute rheumatic fever, Kawasaki disease, or myocarditis (a viral infection). However, these conditions are rare and if suspected by your pediatrician, they may request consultation from a Pediatric Cardiologist. Some times children can develop disorders of the heartbeat (arrhythmias) that can cause palpitations or a sensation of an abnormal heart beat. Your doctor may want to refer your child to a Pediatric Cardiologist if an arrhythmia is suspected.
Back to TopCan "minimally invasive" heart surgery be performed on children?
Our pediatric cardiac surgeons at NYU are doing more and more less invasive heart surgery in children. In many cases, open heart surgery is being safely and successfully performed in children through a very small incision in the chest. These approaches help produce faster recovery and a very small scar. Whether or not these techniques can be used depend on the specific problem that needs to be treated and size of the child.
Back to TopWhat are other sources of information on heart disease in children?
The American
Heart Association
Find a great deal of information about heart disease in children.
Children's
Health Information Nework
More information on congenital heart disease.
Cardioglobal [Spanish]
A great source of information in Spanish.
You should always feel free to ask your pediatrician, family doctor or pediatric cardiologist if you have additional questions about your child's heart.
Do you have a specific question for one of our doctors?
Please feel free to contact us with any question you may have.
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