Pediatric Cardiology

Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?

In our department, both structural heart anomalies developing in the womb and heart diseases emerging after birth due to environmental or infectious causes are meticulously monitored and treated.

Congenital Heart Diseases

Congenital heart diseases occur when the heart or major blood vessels develop abnormally during the baby's growth in the womb. While some of these conditions are mild and may resolve on their own over time, others may require surgical or angiographic intervention. Frequently monitored and treated congenital heart diseases in our clinic include:

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole in the wall between the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. It can progress without symptoms in many children, but timely diagnosis prevents issues like right-sided heart enlargement and heart failure.
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall between the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Depending on the size of the hole, it can cause symptoms in babies such as quick fatigue, sweating during feeding, and frequent lung infections.
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): A condition where a blood vessel that should be open in the womb remains open instead of closing shortly after birth. It is more common in premature babies.

For more comprehensive information about congenital heart diseases, you can read our article titled Little Hearts, Big Hopes: What You Need to Know About Congenital Heart Diseases.

Acquired Heart Diseases

Certain infections or systemic diseases experienced during childhood can negatively affect the heart.

• Rheumatic Heart Diseases (Acute Rheumatic Fever): A condition that generally develops after untreated Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections (strep throat) and can cause permanent damage to the heart valves. It starts with symptoms like joint pain, swelling, and redness. Early diagnosis is critical for protecting the heart valves.
• Kawasaki Disease: An inflammatory disease generally seen in children under 5 years old, affecting medium-sized blood vessels in the body, especially the coronary arteries supplying the heart. It presents with symptoms such as a persistent fever lasting more than 5 days, body rash, redness on the palms and soles, cracked lips, and a "strawberry tongue" appearance. Pediatric cardiology follow-up is essential due to the risk of coronary artery dilation (aneurysm).
• Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias): Conditions where the heart beats faster, slower, or more irregularly than normal. It can manifest as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.

Diagnostic Methods

Diagnosing heart diseases in children can be a concerning process for parents and children alike. At the BHT CLINIC Pediatric Cardiology department, we apply our diagnostic tools using a completely child-friendly approach, incorporating play and reassuring language. The vast majority of our procedures are painless and do not involve radiation.

• Pediatric Echocardiography (Echo and Color Doppler): An ultrasound method that uses sound waves to image the heart's structure, valve function, and blood flow. Warm gel is applied to your child's chest, and the procedure is performed using a probe. It is completely painless. Your child can watch cartoons or lie comfortably next to you during the procedure. It is highly safe as it does not contain radiation.
• Pediatric ECG (Electrocardiography): A basic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Small, colorful, sticky electrodes are placed on your child's chest, arms, and legs. The procedure takes only a few minutes, does not hurt, and provides valuable information about the heart rhythm.
• 24-Hour Rhythm Holter and Blood Pressure Holter: Portable devices used to record heart rhythm or blood pressure during your child's daily activities. Your child can continue their normal life, play, and sleep while wearing this device.
• Exercise Test (Treadmill Test): Applied especially in older children who play sports or complain of chest pain or palpitations during exertion. Your child's ECG and blood pressure are monitored simultaneously while walking and running on a treadmill.

Treatment Methods and Applications

The treatment of diseases diagnosed in our Pediatric Cardiology department is planned according to the type and severity of the condition. Many congenital heart diseases and rhythm disorders can be successfully managed with regular outpatient follow-ups and medication.

In cases requiring interventional or surgical treatment, the fully equipped infrastructure of our hospital comes into play. Through Cardiovascular Catheter Angiography Procedures, some holes (such as ASD, VSD, PDA) can be closed using special devices inserted through the groin without open surgery, or narrowed valves can be widened using a balloon method.

For more complex congenital heart anomalies requiring surgical intervention, we form a multidisciplinary council with our Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery team to prepare the safest and most effective surgical plan for your child. Intensive care processes before, during, and after surgery are managed through the joint follow-up of pediatric cardiology and surgical teams.

Technology and Team

The Pediatric Cardiology department at BHT CLINIC Istanbul Tema Hospital is equipped with the most advanced devices offered by current medical technology. Our high-resolution pediatric echocardiography devices have the sensitivity to detect even millimetric structural differences in the heart starting from the fetal period. Our cardiac catheterization and angiography laboratories are configured with special equipment suited for children's anatomy.

Our team consists of healthcare professionals who are experienced not only in pediatric heart diseases but also in child psychology and communication with children. Our hospital's 24/7 emergency service and fully equipped pediatric intensive care units ensure that you receive uninterrupted and safe healthcare whenever needed.

When Should You Visit?

While heart diseases in children can sometimes progress without any symptoms, they can also present with signals that parents can easily notice. It is of great importance to consult the Pediatric Cardiology department without delay in the following situations:

• Your doctor hearing a murmur in the heart during a routine child health examination,
• Your baby sweating excessively, panting, or failing to gain weight while feeding,
• Noticing bruising (cyanosis) around the lips or fingertips while crying or exerting effort,
• Your child getting tired more quickly than their peers,
• Experiencing unexplained fainting (syncope) spells,
• Your child complaining of chest pain or palpitations,
• Persistent fever lasting more than 5 days, body rash, and cracked lips (suspicion of Kawasaki disease),
• Conditions such as joint pain, swelling, and redness (suspicion of rheumatic heart disease).

Additionally, you should visit our department for a check-up if there is a family history of early-age heart disease or sudden loss, if your child is going to start an active and licensed sport, or if you want early screening during the newborn period.

Appointment and Examination Process

You can easily book an appointment at the BHT CLINIC Istanbul Tema Hospital Pediatric Cardiology department to address concerns about your child's heart health and have routine check-ups. Bringing your child's previous test results, ECGs, or medical reports with you on the day of the appointment will speed up the evaluation process.

To get detailed information and speak with our expert team, you can call our 24/7 call center at 0850 811 34 00 or book an appointment online through our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an innocent murmur in children?

An innocent murmur is the vibration sound heard during blood flow within the heart or blood vessels, without any structural disease or hole in the heart. It is very common in childhood and is generally harmless. It tends to disappear on its own as the child grows. However, the definitive distinction of whether the heard murmur is truly innocent must be determined by an Echo examination performed by a pediatric cardiology specialist.

Is chest pain in children dangerous?

The vast majority of chest pains seen in children originate from the musculoskeletal or respiratory systems, and the likelihood of them being heart-related is low. However, if the chest pain increases during exertion (running, playing) and is accompanied by complaints such as palpitations, dizziness, bruising, or fainting, a pediatric cardiologist should be consulted without delay.

How long does a pediatric ECG take, and does it hurt?

A pediatric ECG is an extremely fast, practical, and completely painless procedure that takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The heart's electrical activity is transferred to a computer by placing small sticky patches (electrodes) on your child's chest, wrists, and ankles. No needles are used, and no electricity is administered during the procedure.

My child is going to start playing sports; is a heart check-up mandatory?

Yes, it is of vital importance to evaluate children's heart health before starting competitive, licensed, and active sports (football, basketball, swimming, etc.). Thanks to the pediatric cardiology examination, ECG, and Echo tests performed before sports, hidden heart diseases and rhythm disorders that could pose a life-threatening risk during exertion can be detected in advance.