What is pediatric cardiology?

Pediatric cardiology is a specialized area of medicine which mainly focus on heart health of newborns to adolescents.
Pediatric cardiologists are doctors with specialized and advance training in management of heart conditions particularly related to children.

Importance of fetal echocardiogram?

It is specialized ultrasound which is safe, painless and non invasive test to see the structure and function of an unborn baby's heart. It is usually performed between 18-24 weeks of pregnancy.
It detects structural abnormalitiues and electrical activity of the baby's heart while the baby is still in mothers womb.

Pediatric Cardiology- Fetal Echo Missed

Why is neonatal and infant screening important?

Critical congenital heart defects- heart defects which requires verly early treatment ( surgery or intervention) within few months of life.
Screening helps in early detection and purposed treatment of the heart condition.
Early detection- mostly heart defects are present at birth. Early detection allows for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
importance of screening- to prevent life threatning complications before the baby leave the hospital , sometimes the baby with heart defects appears normal/healthy at first.

How is screening done ?

Echocardiogram- simple, harmless, opd test ( ultrasound of the heart). It should be done by qualified pediatric cardiologist. It gives proper diagnosis and help the cardiologist deciding time and type of treatment required.
Pulse oximetry- simple sensor placed on baby's hand and foot to measure oxygen level. Oxygen level in children<94% on room air requires further evaluation by pediatric cardiologist.

What if heart defect detected ?

Consultation with pediatric cardiologist n detail about nature and treatment of the heart problem detected.

Treatment options?

Medications- to manage symptoms and support heart function.
Cardiac cath- mnimally invasive procedure to repair heart defects using devices, balloons etc..
Surgery- to correct more complex heart defects