Pediatric Cardiology

What is the Pediatric Cardiology Department and What Diseases Does It Cover?

Pediatric cardiology, also known as pediatric cardiology, is the branch of medicine that diagnoses, treats and monitors diseases of the cardiovascular system in children from birth to age 18. This important field of expertise plays a critical role in protecting and improving children's cardiovascular health.

About Pediatric Cardiology Department

The pediatric cardiology department is a specialized unit that diagnoses and treats congenital and acquired diseases related to the heart and vascular system. According to a study conducted in Türkiye, congenital heart disease is seen in approximately 8 out of every 1000 live births. This high rate emphasizes the importance of the pediatric cardiology department.

The department is equipped with advanced technological equipment and adopts a multidisciplinary approach. For example, modern diagnostic tools such as echocardiography devices, cardiac catheterization laboratories and electrocardiography (ECG) devices are used. According to the report published by the American Heart Association in 2022, thanks to these technological advances, child mortality rates due to congenital heart diseases have decreased by 40% in the last 20 years.

Who is a Pediatric Cardiologist and What Are Their Duties?

A pediatric cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and circulatory system in children.

• Diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart diseases
• Evaluation and management of heart rhythm disorders
• Follow-up of children with heart failure
• Evaluation and follow-up of patients requiring heart transplantation
• Providing preventive cardiology services
• Collaborating with the surgical team in cases requiring heart surgery
• To monitor patients in the long term and intervene when necessary

What Diseases Does Pediatric Cardiology Cover?

The pediatric cardiology department covers various heart and circulatory system diseases seen in children.

• Congenital heart diseases: These diseases are heart anomalies that occur during the baby's development in the womb. The most common types are ventricular septal defect (a hole in the wall between the chambers of the heart), atrial septal defect (a hole in the wall between the atria), and patent ductus arteriosus (an abnormal vascular connection from the fetal period).
• Heart valve diseases: These are diseases that occur as a result of the heart valves not working properly. The valves may either not close completely (insufficiency) or not open completely (stenosis).
• Heart rhythm disorders: A condition in which the heart beats outside of its normal rhythm. It can be too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia).
• Kawasaki disease: A disease seen in children, with fever and rashes on the body. It can affect the heart vessels.
• Hypertension: It is a condition in which blood pressure is higher than normal. It can also be seen in children and can lead to serious complications.
• Heart failure: A condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood for the body. In children, it usually occurs as a result of congenital heart diseases.
• Cardiomyopathies: Structural and functional disorders of the heart muscle that can affect the heart's pumping ability.
• Rheumatic heart disease: Heart damage resulting from rheumatic fever caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. It particularly affects the heart valves.

What Are Pediatric Cardiology Examinations?

Pediatric cardiology examinations include various tests used to diagnose heart and circulatory system diseases in children.

• Physical examination
• Electrocardiography (ECG)
• Echocardiography
• Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG recording)
• X-ray
• Stress test
• Cardiac catheterization and angiography

What Methods Are Used in Pediatric Cardiology Treatments?

Pediatric cardiology treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the disease.

• Drug therapy (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers)
• Catheter-based interventions (balloon valvuloplasty, stent placement)
• Heart surgeries (open heart surgery, closed heart surgery)
• Pacemaker and other device implants
• Lifestyle changes and nutritional recommendations

When Should You Go to the Pediatric Cardiology Department?

The pediatric cardiology department should be consulted in the following cases:

• If there is a family history of heart disease
• If the child has complaints such as shortness of breath and getting tired easily.
• For regular check-ups (especially if there is a known heart disease)
• For pre-sports evaluation
• If there is suspicion of heart involvement in children being followed up for another disease

What is Done During a Pediatric Cardiology Examination?

During a pediatric cardiology examination, the child's general health status and heart functions are evaluated in detail.

• Taking a detailed history
• Physical examination (listening to heart sounds, checking pulse, measuring blood pressure)
• Height and weight measurement
• Taking an ECG when necessary
• Performing echocardiography
• Laboratory tests (if necessary)
• Further examinations (Holter monitoring, stress test, etc. if necessary)
• Planning appropriate treatment methods after diagnosis and informing the family