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What is a pediatric cardiologist?

A pediatric cardiologist is a heart doctor for children. A pediatric cardiologist is trained to diagnose and treat heart conditions in fetuses, infants, children, and teenagers.  In addition to history and physical, a pediatric cardiologist may use the following to diagnose heart conditions:

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  • Echocardiogram

  • Electrocardiogram

  • Cardiac exercise stress test

  • Cardiac monitors

  • Ambulatory blood pressure monitors

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In the United States, to practice pediatric cardiology, one must first complete a residency in general pediatrics, followed by a fellowship training in pediatric cardiology.

Common Heart Conditions in Children

Congenital Heart Diseases

  • Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

  • Atrial septal defect (ASD)

  • Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

  • Aortic valve stenosis

  • Coarctation of the aorta

  • Atrioventricular septal defect

  • D-Transposition of the great arteries

  • L-Transposition of the great arteries

  • Tetralogy of Fallot

  • Pulmonary valve stenosis

  • Single ventricles

  • Truncus arteriosus

  • Anomalous coronary arteries

  • Total anomalous pulmonary venous return

  • Ebstein's anomaly

  • Marfan's syndrome

  • Bicuspid aortic valve

  • Long QT syndrome

  • Brugada's syndrome

  • CPVT

  • Familial hyperlipidemia

Acquired Heart Diseases

  • High blood pressure

  • Elevated cholesterol

  • Dysmetabolic syndrome

  • Kawasaki's disease

  • Rheumatic Fever

  • Endocarditis

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