Welcome to Paediatric Cardiology Department at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
The Paediatric Cardiology Department provides careful and responsive treatments for your child's overall heart condition, diagnosing and treating chronic heart and blood vessel problems in children.
Paediatric cardiology encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in children, including congenital heart defects, acquired heart diseases, rhythm disturbances, and more. These conditions can affect a child's heart structure, function, or rhythm, requiring expert evaluation and care tailored to their unique needs.
Our paediatric cardiologists use leading technology and advanced tests such as an echo cardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart), 24-hour Holter monitor and exercise testing to detect abnormal heart rhythms, in addition to lab tests and imaging studies that include prenatal cardiac evaluation. Together, these methods guide your physician towards the correct method of treatment for your child’s long-term health.
Your child’s cardioactive health is crucial. The heart pumps the blood around the body, allowing it to do its job providing the oxygen and nutrients to the different organs and taking away and disposing waste and carbon dioxide. If there is a problem with heart (cardiac) function, there may not be enough oxygen or nutrients reaching the organs, which can affect your child’s growth and development, and in some cases may lead to death.
A paediatric cardiologist usually becomes involved in your child’s treatment after a general paediatrician has requested an evaluation of a certain patient. This may happen if the primary doctor suspects a heart condition due to the history or physical examination findings.
Patients may come directly to the paediatric cardiologist, however, in the following situations:
Known or suspected heart disorders such as congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia
These conditions encompass a range of heart-related issues. Congenital heart disease involves abnormalities present at birth affecting the heart's structure and function. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases affecting the heart muscle, impacting its ability to efficiently pump blood. Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
Palpitations
Palpitations are sensations of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats. People experiencing palpitations may feel their heart "skipping a beat" or beating too hard or too fast. This sensation can be caused by stress, anxiety, caffeine, or underlying heart conditions.
Chest pain
Chest pain can indicate various issues, including heart-related problems. It can present as tightness, pressure, squeezing, or sharp pain in the chest. While it may not always signal a heart issue, it is essential to evaluate chest pain, especially if it's severe or accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness.
High cholesterol/lipid disorders
Elevated cholesterol levels or lipid disorders involve an imbalance in the fats (lipids) in the blood, particularly high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often termed "bad" cholesterol. This condition can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Syncope/fainting
Syncope refers to a temporary loss of consciousness or fainting. It's often caused by a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain. Heart-related causes such as abnormal heart rhythms or issues with the heart's structure can sometimes lead to syncope. However, it can also be triggered by various other factors such as dehydration, low blood sugar, or sudden changes in posture.
There are a range of symptoms and conditions related to heart health. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking medical advice is crucial for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.
If your child needs specialised care for a heart condition or if you have any concerns about their heart health, our team at Paediatric Cardiology Department at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi is here to help.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or for more information about our services. At Paediatric Cardiology Department in Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital Abu Dhabi we are dedicated to nurturing healthy hearts in our youngest patients.
