Pediatric echocardiography is a specialized area of echocardiography focused on imaging the hearts of infants, children, and adolescents. This diagnostic tool is essential for detecting and managing congenital heart defects, heart disease, and various cardiovascular disorders in the pediatric population. The anatomy and physiology of a child’s heart can differ significantly from that of an…
Hyperlipidemia in children refers to the presence of high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides. While often associated with adults, hyperlipidemia can occur in children as well and may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. There are two main types of hyperlipidemia: Causes and Risk Factors…
Tachycardia in children refers to an abnormally fast heart rate. The heart rate considered normal varies with age; younger children have naturally higher heart rates than older children and adults. In general, tachycardia in children is defined as a heart rate that is faster than the normal range for their age. Causes of tachycardia in…
Bradycardia in children is a condition where the heart rate is slower than normal. This condition can be physiological, as seen in well-conditioned young athletes or during sleep, or pathological, often following heart surgery or in premature infants. Common causes include sinus bradycardia, where the heart’s sinus node fires at a slower rate, and atrioventricular…
Myocarditis, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the heart muscle, known as the myocardium, is a significant health concern, particularly when it affects children. The condition can manifest with a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and is influenced by various factors, including underlying viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to…
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can occur in children. It results from bacteria, usually Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, entering through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, insect bite, or surgical wound. The infection can cause the affected skin area to become red, swollen, warm, and painful. Symptoms of Cellulitis…
Ebstein’s Anomaly is a rare heart defect that is present at birth (congenital). It primarily affects the tricuspid valve, which separates the right atrium (upper heart chamber) from the right ventricle (lower heart chamber). In Ebstein’s Anomaly, the tricuspid valve is abnormally formed and positioned lower than normal in the right ventricle. This malformation can…
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a complex and serious congenital heart defect. In HLHS, the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, including the left ventricle, mitral valve, aortic valve, and aorta. This condition severely affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively to the body. Symptoms of HLHS Symptoms usually manifest soon after…
Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart defect characterized by a narrowing of the aorta, the major artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This narrowing can occur anywhere along the aorta but is most commonly found near the ductus arteriosus, an artery that connects the aorta and…