It can be concerning and nerve-racking if your pediatrician recommends your child see a cardiologist. Any doctor’s appointment can be scary, but one that involves such a delicate and essential muscle can feel even more so.
Dr. Paul F. Kantor, MBBCh, M.Sc., FRCPC, serves as the Chief of Cardiology and co-director at the Heart Institute at CHLA. He states, “A specialty pediatric cardiac center has comprehensive testing capabilities and can reach a clear diagnosis within one or two visits.”
A proactive way to ease your nerves is to research and prepare for the appointment. Gather your child’s entire family medical history and printouts of blood tests or advanced test results from other medical appointments. In addition, make sure your child has the best care possible by double-checking that your pediatric cardiologist is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. On top of this research, have some questions prepared to ask the doctor to guarantee getting the answers you need. Below is a list of four basic questions that can get you some useful answers from the pediatric cardiologist.
What Heart Problems Does My Child Have?
“There are several different categories of heart problems,” states Dr. Kantor. “Heart murmurs are common reasons children see a cardiologist, and they are often harmless. Children can have congenital heart defects, which affect the structures of the heart, the heart valves, or blood vessels and develop during pregnancy. We also treat children for heart muscle disorders and heart rhythm abnormalities.”
Why Does My Child Have a Heart Condition?
Genetics can play a role if there is a family history of cardiovascular issues. But frequently the cause of a child’s heart issues is unknown. Possible culprits are bacterial or viral infections that led to myocarditis, environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet, exposure to smoking/vaping, and lack of exercise.
Please discuss all options with the pediatric cardiologist, as when you know the cause of the issue, it can be easier to watch for risks and warning signs.
What are Treatment Options?
Most likely, the cardiologist will recommend one or more treatment options for your child. Remember to ask about the pros and cons of each treatment. Most children do not need surgery to treat their heart condition, but in some scenarios it is necessary. If surgery is required, be sure to ask about surgical capabilities, the newest treatments, and advanced technologies associated with your child’s condition.
How Can I Help Protect My Child’s Heart Health?
Dr. Kantor insists on cultivating healthy habits for your child as well as yourself. “We spend a lot of time talking with parents about adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle,” he says. “In addition to patients with existing heart conditions, we see children who are at risk of future problems due to lifestyle habits.”
He recommends asking your cardiologist how to incorporate a healthy diet, regular exercise, eliminating smoking/vaping, and limiting screen time into you and your child’s daily routine to better overall heart health.
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