The Pediatric Cardiac Health Center is a specialized medical unit that carries out the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cardiovascular diseases in individuals from birth through adolescence. At this center, both congenital and acquired heart diseases are comprehensively evaluated by physicians experienced in the field of pediatric cardiology.
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What Diseases Are Treated at the Pediatric Cardiac Health Center?
The diseases treated at the Pediatric Cardiac Health Center cover a wide range, from congenital heart anomalies to arrhythmias, from cardiomyopathies to certain inflammatory heart diseases. The most commonly treated conditions at the Pediatric Cardiac Health Center include:
Congenital Heart Diseases (Congenital Heart Defects)
Congenital heart diseases arise as a result of structural differences in the heart that occur during the baby’s development in the womb. These conditions include:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): Due to an opening between the upper chambers of the heart (atria), oxygenated and deoxygenated blood may mix. While small defects can be followed up, larger openings may require interventional or surgical treatment.
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): This is a condition in which there is an opening between the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). It is one of the most common congenital heart diseases. The treatment approach varies depending on the size of the defect.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): This is when a blood vessel structure that should close after birth remains open. This condition can increase the workload of the heart and may require treatment over time.
- Tetralogy of Fallot (Blue Baby Syndrome): This is a complex disease in which multiple structural heart abnormalities occur together. Surgical intervention is usually planned in the early period.
- Transposition of the Great Arteries: This is a serious congenital anomaly in which the main arteries leaving the heart are reversed. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are vital.
Heart Valve Diseases
Structural abnormalities of the heart valves, whether congenital or acquired, can affect blood flow and increase the workload of the heart. These conditions include:
- Aortic Valve Stenosis: Due to narrowing of the aortic valve, it becomes difficult for the heart to pump blood to the body. Mild cases can be monitored, while advanced cases may require interventional treatment.
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation: This occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward. Over time, this condition can increase the workload on the heart.
- Tricuspid Valve Atresia: Characterized by the absence or severe underdevelopment (narrowing) of the tricuspid valve. It is usually seen in association with complex congenital heart diseases.
Heart Failure
This is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In children, it typically develops due to underlying congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathies, or severe arrhythmias. With early intervention, the progression of the disease can be controlled.
Cardiomyopathy (Heart Muscle Diseases)
These are diseases that occur due to structural or functional effects on the heart muscle. The heart muscle may thicken, enlarge, or may not contract effectively. This condition can affect the child’s exercise capacity and, in advanced cases, may lead to heart failure.
Myocarditis and Cardiac Inflammations
Conditions such as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and involvement of the heart membranes usually develop due to infections. They may have a mild course, but in some cases, they can seriously affect heart function. Therefore, close monitoring and appropriate treatment are required.
Cardiac Involvement Due to Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects young children and involves the blood vessels. Due to the risk of involvement of the coronary arteries that supply the heart, follow-up by pediatric cardiology is important.
Rheumatic Heart Diseases
Rheumatic fever, which can develop after throat infections, may affect the heart valves and cause permanent damage. Therefore, early diagnosis, treatment, and regular follow-up are of great importance.
Cardiac Tumors
Although rare in childhood, benign or malignant masses can develop in the heart. These tumors may affect the functioning of the heart and, in some cases, may require surgical intervention.
Which Departments Does the Pediatric Cardiology Center Collaborate With?
The Pediatric Cardiac Health Center works in collaboration with various specialties to address the child’s overall health in a holistic manner. These departments include:
- Pediatric Cardiology: The primary specialty that manages the diagnosis, follow-up, and medical treatment of congenital and acquired heart diseases.
- Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery: The specialty that performs surgeries for congenital heart diseases and structural abnormalities requiring surgical intervention.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: The unit responsible for the close follow-up and life-support processes of newborns diagnosed with heart disease immediately after birth.
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: The department that ensures close follow-up of children in postoperative periods, advanced heart diseases, and critical conditions.
- Pediatrics (Child Health and Diseases): Supports the evaluation of general health problems that may accompany heart disease and ensures a holistic follow-up of the child.
- Pediatric Pulmonology: Plays a role in the differential diagnosis of shortness of breath, respiratory problems, and heart-lung related diseases.
- Radiology: Provides detailed evaluation of the heart and vascular structures through advanced imaging methods (such as MRI, CT scans) in addition to echocardiography.
- Medical Genetics: Conducts investigations into the genetic causes of congenital heart diseases and provides family counseling.
- Anesthesiology and Reanimation: Ensures the child’s safety and comfort during interventional procedures and surgical operations.
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases: Supports the diagnosis and treatment of infections that may affect the heart, contributing to a safe clinical course.
- Nutrition and Dietetics: Ensures the development of appropriate nutrition plans to support growth and development in children with heart disease.
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Plays a supportive role in the postoperative recovery process and in improving physical capacity.
What Treatment Methods Are Applied at the Pediatric Cardiac Health Center?
The treatment methods applied at the Pediatric Cardiac Health Center are planned according to the type and severity of congenital or acquired heart diseases, as well as the child’s overall health condition.
There is no standard treatment approach for every child; while regular follow-up alone may be sufficient in some cases, others may require medication, interventional procedures, or surgical interventions. The main treatment methods include:
Medical Treatment and Regular Follow-up
In many pediatric heart diseases, treatment is managed through medication and regular check-ups. Medications help control symptoms in conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and vascular pressure disorders. The disease is regularly monitored with tests such as echocardiography (ECHO) and electrocardiography (ECG).
Interventional Cardiology Treatments
Using catheter-based methods that do not require open surgery, holes in the heart can be closed, and vascular or valvular stenosis can be treated. These procedures generally allow for faster recovery.
Surgical Treatment Methods
Surgical intervention may be required in congenital heart diseases and structural abnormalities. Open-heart surgeries or, when appropriate, minimally invasive techniques can be performed.
Catheterization and Angiography Procedures
Catheterization procedures can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Successful outcomes can be achieved, especially in certain congenital anomalies, using closure devices or balloon applications.
Treatments for Arrhythmias
In arrhythmias that cannot be controlled with medication, pacemakers or interventional procedures may be used. These treatments help ensure the heart functions in a regular rhythm.
Heart Failure and Supportive Treatments
In cases of heart failure, medication, fluid balance management, and nutritional support are applied. The goal is to reduce the workload of the heart and improve quality of life.
Treatments for Valve and Vascular Diseases
Valve disorders and vascular stenosis can be treated with medication, interventional procedures, or surgical methods.
Postoperative Care and Long-term Follow-up
After surgery, intensive care monitoring, medication, and regular follow-ups are essential. Long-term follow-up helps maintain heart health.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Modifications
Diet and physical activity support the treatment process. These adjustments are particularly important during growth and development.
What Technological Devices Are Used in the Pediatric Cardiac Health Center?
The technological devices used in the Pediatric Cardiac Health Center are utilized to evaluate the structure, rhythm, and circulatory system of the heart in detail. Thanks to these devices, diseases can be detected early and the treatment process can be accurately planned. Commonly used technological devices include:
- Electrocardiography (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart and detects arrhythmias.
- Echocardiography (ECHO): A fundamental ultrasound device that visualizes the structure, valves, and chambers of the heart.
- Fetal Echocardiography: Used to evaluate the heart development of the fetus in the womb.
- Holter ECG: Records the heart rhythm for 24 hours or longer, helping to detect intermittent rhythm disorders.
- Blood Pressure Holter: Measures blood pressure throughout the day and analyzes its variations.
- Cardiac Stress Test: Evaluates the heart’s performance and rhythm during physical activity.
- Pulse Oximeter: Quickly and painlessly measures the oxygen level in the blood.
- Monitoring Systems: Provide real-time monitoring of heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs.
- Cardiac MRI: Offers detailed, radiation-free imaging of the heart muscle and vascular structures.
- Computed Tomography (CT): Displays the anatomical structure of the heart and vessels in detail.
- Angiography Device: Visualizes blood vessels and enables certain interventional treatments.
- Catheterization Equipment: Specialized devices used for intracardiac procedures and closure applications.
- Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): A specialized imaging method that allows closer and more detailed examination of the heart.
- Pacemakers and Rhythm Devices: Support the regular functioning of the heart in cases of arrhythmias.
- Intensive Care Equipment: Provides respiratory and circulatory support in critically ill patients.