Pediatric cardiology is a medical subspecialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. It addresses congenital (present at birth) and acquired heart diseases, emphasizing both physical and emotional well-being.
Key Areas in Pediatric Cardiology
1. Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs)
Definition: Structural abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels present at birth.
Examples:
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA).
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).
Management: May involve monitoring, medications, catheter-based procedures, or surgery.
2. Acquired Heart Diseases
Definition: Heart conditions that develop after birth due to infections, autoimmune responses, or other factors.
Examples:
Rheumatic Heart Disease (due to untreated strep throat infections).
Kawasaki Disease (inflammation of blood vessels, potentially leading to coronary aneurysms).
Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
3. Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
Abnormal heart rhythms caused by electrical issues in the heart.
Examples include supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and congenital heart block.
4. Heart Failure
A condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently.
Common causes in children include CHDs, myocarditis, or cardiomyopathies.
5. Cardiomyopathies
Diseases affecting the heart muscle, making it weak or stiff.
Types include hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy.
6. Pulmonary Hypertension
High blood pressure in the lungs' blood vessels, often linked to CHDs.
Diagnostic Tools in Pediatric Cardiology
Echocardiography (ECHO): Ultrasound imaging of the heart to assess structure and function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures electrical activity of the heart.
Holter Monitor: Continuous ECG recording to detect arrhythmias.
Cardiac MRI/CT: Detailed imaging of the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiac Catheterization: Invasive procedure to measure pressures and perform interventions.
