Paediatric cardiology

At American Wellness Center, we understand the critical importance of cardiovascular health in children. Cardiovascular health, or cardiac health, refers to the health and function of the heart and blood vessels. In children, cardiac health problems can range from congenital heart defects, present at birth, to acquired conditions that develop due to infections, environmental factors, or lifestyle choices. It's essential to recognize the variety of cardiac health issues that can affect children, including congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and rheumatic heart disease, among others.

Why Cardiac Care is Crucial for Children

Providing cardiac care for children is vital for several reasons. Early detection and management of heart conditions can prevent complications, improve quality of life, and, in many cases, can be lifesaving. Some children may require more intensive cardiac care support due to the severity of their condition, their genetic background, or complications from other health issues. These children might need a more specialized approach to their cardiac care, including regular monitoring, medication management, surgical interventions, and lifestyle modifications.

Risk Factors for Cardiac Health Issues in Children

Risk factors for cardiac health concerns in children include a family history of heart disease, premature birth, conditions like obesity and diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity. Exposure to tobacco smoke and certain infections during pregnancy can also increase the risk of congenital heart defects.

Signs Your Child May Need Cardiac Evaluation

We at American Wellness Center urge parents to be vigilant for signs that may indicate a need for a cardiac health evaluation.

• Rapid Breathing: Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing may indicate that the heart is not efficiently pumping blood, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to the body. This can be a sign of various cardiac conditions, including heart failure or congenital heart defects.
• Fatigue During Physical Activity: Children should have a considerable amount of energy, especially during play or physical activities. If your child frequently appears fatigued or exhausted with minimal physical exertion, it could be a sign that their heart is working harder than normal to supply oxygen to their body.
• Fainting Spells: Fainting (syncope) can be alarming when it occurs in children. While there can be non-cardiac causes, fainting spells, especially if they happen during or right after physical activity, may suggest an underlying cardiac issue such as an arrhythmia or structural heart problem.
• Chest Pain: Chest pain in children is not as commonly associated with heart problems as it is in adults, but it should not be ignored. When chest pain occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, it warrants an evaluation for potential cardiac causes.
• Abnormal Heart Rhythms: Irregular heartbeats or palpitations that you can feel or hear can be indicative of arrhythmias. While not all arrhythmias are dangerous, they can sometimes signal underlying heart conditions that need to be addressed.
• Poor Growth or Weight Gain: In infants and young children, poor growth or difficulty gaining weight, particularly if coupled with feeding difficulties, can be a sign of a congenital heart defect. This occurs because the heart may be working inefficiently, requiring more energy, and making feeding more tiring.

Recognizing these signs is the first step in protecting your child's heart health. If you observe any of these symptoms in your child, it's important to consult with a pediatric cardiologist for a comprehensive evaluation. At American Wellness Center, we are committed to providing expert cardiac care and support to ensure the best outcomes for your child.

What we offer:

From fetal health through to adolescent heart health, our child cardiology department will do everything possible to diagnose and treat congenital and acquired heart diseases.
Our approach to cardiac care management for children encompasses comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans. We offer the latest in diagnostic testing and treatments, including non-invasive imaging, electrophysiology studies, and innovative surgical techniques when necessary. Our pediatric cardiologist is qualified American Board, well trained and highly experienced and is committed to provide holistic care tailored to each child's needs:

Some of our services include:

• Diagnosis & treatment of fetuses, children, and adults with congenital & acquired heart disease.
• Cardiac MRI
• Fetal Echocardiography
• Stress Testing

Non-invasive diagnostic procedures, including:

• Transthoracic echocardiography
• Transesophageal echocardiography
• Fetal echocardiography
• 12-Lead ECG
• 24-hour ECG (Holter)

Cardiac Care Management for Children

Our cardiac care management for children involves a diverse approach tailored to the individual needs of each child. This includes ongoing monitoring of their condition, medications to manage symptoms and improve heart function, lifestyle recommendations to promote heart health, and interventions or surgeries as needed. Education for both the child and parents / family about managing the condition and preventing complications is also a critical component of our care.
At American Wellness Center, we provide the highest quality cardiac care to children, supporting them, and their families through every step of their journey. We believe in the importance of heart health from the earliest stages of life and are committed to advancing pediatric cardiac care through our patient-centered approach, state-of-the-art technologies, and commitment to research and education. Our mission is to ensure that every child under our care receives the best possible chance at a healthy, active, and fulfilling life.