Overview

Paediatric Cardiac Care is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Children’s hearts are different from adults — both anatomically and physiologically — and require expert evaluation and individualized care.

Paediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons work together to treat a wide range of congenital (present at birth) and acquired heart diseases using advanced diagnostic tools, non-invasive imaging, and surgical or interventional procedures.

With modern technology, such as fetal echocardiography, 3D cardiac imaging, and minimally invasive cardiac surgery, early detection and effective treatment have significantly improved outcomes for young patients with heart conditions.

Purpose and Indications

The primary goal of Paediatric Cardiac Care is to detect and correct heart abnormalities early, restore normal cardiac function, and enable children to live healthy, active lives.

Heart defects in children may be congenital (structural issues present from birth) or acquired (developed due to infections, inflammation, or other diseases). Early diagnosis and intervention help prevent complications such as heart failure, growth delay, and poor oxygenation.

Common Indications for Paediatric Cardiac Evaluation include:

• Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) such as:

  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

• Heart Murmurs or Abnormal Heart Sounds

• Bluish discoloration (Cyanosis) of lips, tongue, or nails

• Rapid breathing, feeding difficulties, or poor weight gain

• Fainting or unexplained fatigue

• Rheumatic Heart Disease

• Cardiomyopathy or Myocarditis

• Arrhythmias (Irregular heartbeats)

• Post-surgical or long-term cardiac follow-up

Children showing these symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a paediatric cardiologist for early and accurate diagnosis.

The Procedure

Paediatric cardiac care involves a comprehensive, step-by-step approach beginning with diagnosis and continuing through treatment, surgery (if needed), and follow-up care.

1. Initial Evaluation:
   A thorough medical history and physical examination are performed. The cardiologist listens for abnormal heart sounds, checks oxygen levels, and evaluates growth and development.

2. Diagnostic Testing:
   To confirm and classify the heart condition, the following tests may be done:

   • Echocardiography (ECHO): Key imaging test to visualize heart structure and function

   • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records electrical activity of the heart

   • Chest X-ray: Assesses heart size and lung condition

   • CT / MRI Heart Scan: Provides detailed 3D images of heart anatomy

   • Cardiac Catheterization / Angiography: For detailed internal assessment or interventional treatment

3. Treatment Planning:
   Based on the diagnosis, treatment options include:

   • Medical management: Medications to control symptoms or stabilize heart function

   • Interventional Cardiology: Non-surgical procedures like device closure for ASD/VSD or balloon angioplasty to open narrow valves

   • Cardiac Surgery: For complex heart defects requiring open-heart or minimally invasive correction

4. Post-Operative & Long-Term Care:
   After treatment or surgery, children are closely monitored in a specialized paediatric cardiac ICU. Regular follow-ups, echocardiograms, and growth assessments are conducted to ensure long-term heart health and development.