How do I know if my child needs a cardiologist?

Answer:

Children who have heart murmurs are often referred for evaluation. Many of these turn out to be normal and no follow-up by the pediatric cardiologist is necessary. About one in every 100 babies is born with heart disease (congenital heart disease) which requires a pediatric cardiologist's care. 

Referrals are also made for cyanosis ("blue-baby" condition), rapid breathing, heart enlargement, high blood pressure, infections involving the heart and blood vessels, chest pain, heart rhythm disturbances, fainting episodes, and questions about participation in sports. Some pediatric cardiologists see and advise congenital heart patients into adulthood. 

The skills of a pediatric cardiologist are required whenever decisions are made about procedures such as heart catheterization and heart surgery. The pediatric cardiologist may also advise about the prevention of heart attacks in later life and screen for high cholesterol levels. 

A pediatric cardiologist usually serves as a consultant to other doctors. Your pediatrician may recommend a pediatric cardiologist, or you may choose one for your child. As your child's cardiac care proceeds, your pediatric cardiologist will guide the care and plan tests and treatments with the doctors and nurses who are looking after your child. If heart surgery is indicated, your child's pediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon work as a team. In follow-up, the pediatric cardiologist keeps you, your pediatrician, and/or surgeon informed.

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