FAQ

A: Some common congenital heart defects include:
● Septal defects: Holes in the walls between the heart chambers
● Valve problems: Abnormalities in the heart valves that prevent proper blood flow
● Heart malformations: Defects in the structure of the heart itself

A: Signs and symptoms of a heart problem in a child can vary depending on the specific condition. Some general signs to watch for include:
● Difficulty breathing, especially during feeding or exercise
● Chest pain or tightness
● Excessive sweating
● Paleness or bluish skin color (cyanosis)
● Fatigue
● Swelling in the legs or ankles
● Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or slow heart rate (bradycardia)
● Fainting (syncope)

A: Pediatric cardiologists use a variety of tests to diagnose heart problems in children, including:
● Echocardiogram: A painless ultrasound of the heart
● Chest X-ray: An image of the heart and lungs
● Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart
● Cardiac catheterization: A thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel to examine the heart and blood vessels

A: The treatment for a heart problem in a child will depend on the specific condition. Treatment options can include:
● Medications: To help regulate the heart rhythm or improve blood flow
● Minimally invasive procedures: Performed through catheters to repair heart defects
● Surgery: Open-heart surgery may be needed for complex heart defects

A: You can ask your child’s pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric cardiologist. Our hospital (Narayana Superspecialty Hospital) is the largest Pediatric Cardiac Center in Eastern India