Pediatric Cardiology in Turkey
Discover Pediatric Cardiology in Turkey
Pediatric cardiology is a branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric cardiologists specialize in managing congenital heart defects, acquired heart diseases, and other cardiac issues specific to the pediatric population.
What are some common heart conditions seen in children?
- Congenital heart defects (present at birth), such as atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and tetralogy of Fallot.
- Acquired heart diseases, including rheumatic heart disease, Kawasaki disease, and infective endocarditis.
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and atrial fibrillation.
- Cardiomyopathies (diseases of the heart muscle), such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Heart valve abnormalities, including stenosis, regurgitation, and prolapse.
How common are
congenital heart
defects in children?
Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect, affecting approximately 1% of newborns worldwide. While some defects are minor and may not require treatment, others are complex and may necessitate surgical intervention shortly after birth.
What are the signs and symptoms of heart problems in children?
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds (cyanosis)
- Fatigue or poor feeding in infants
- Poor growth or failure to thrive
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or fainting
- Palpitations (awareness of heartbeat)
- Swelling of the legs, abdomen, or other body parts
It’s essential for parents to seek medical evaluation if they observe any concerning symptoms in their child.
What diagnostic tests are used in Pediatric Cardiology?
- Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
- Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG)
- Holter monitoring (continuous ECG monitoring)
- Exercise stress testing
- Cardiac catheterization
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart
- Computed tomography (CT) angiography
