pediatric cardiology

When children carry excess weight for their height, they may be at risk for developing health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and cholesterol (lipid) abnormalities. Our preventive cardiology clinic helps these children avoid serious heart problems by identifying the early warning signs of heart disease in children. Our friendly team helps provides variety of services, including:

• A comprehensive evaluation of heart function
• Supportive education for healthy eating and weight management
• Information and support to improve the fitness level in a variety of ways
• Medications to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Referrals for lab tests to help evaluate heart disease risk
• Referrals to other specialty programs at Dayton Children’s that can provide additional support, such as the lipid clinic, nephrology department and pediatric sleep center

Thanks to major advances in medical and surgical care, most children who are born with a congenital heart defect are living into adulthood. As adults, they need to remain under the expert care of cardiology specialists who have expertise in treating patients with congenital heart defects. That is why Dayton Children’s has partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, whose Columbus Ohio Adult Congenital Heart Disease (COACH) Program meets the unique needs of this patient population. 

Syncope is a partial or complete loss of consciousness, otherwise known as fainting. Children who experience syncope are often diagnosed with POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Our pediatric cardiologists can help confirm a diagnosis of POTS or determine whether another condition is to blame, then establish a treatment plan to prevent syncope.

Chest pain is rarely a sign of serious trouble in children, but it can prevent them from participating in sports and other activities. The cause can be something as simple as a pulled muscle, or exercise-induced asthma. In rare cases, it may be something more serious. Our pediatric cardiologists are dedicated to providing a rapid diagnosis to help put parents’ minds at ease and get kids back to the activities they enjoy.

Learning that your child needs heart surgery (or any type of heart procedure) can certainly be frightening and overwhelming. We want to make sure that the next steps are as organized and stress-free as possible. This is why we have partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a one program, two campus approach to providing heart surgery and other heart procedures for our patients.

The fetal cardiac clinic includes a fetal echocardiogram, a non-invasive ultrasound study of the heart of an unborn baby. After the echocardiogram, patients will have a consultation with one of our board-certified pediatric cardiologists. 

Dayton Children’s Hospital is a proud affiliate with Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory), a nationally recognized initiative focused on providing resources and education to establish cardiac emergency response plans in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

Through this partnership, Dayton Children’s works to increase cardiac emergency preparedness in schools, sports facilities and community organizations throughout the region. The program aims to equip and empower these spaces with life-saving tools and training to ensure rapid responses to sudden cardiac events and to meet requirements of House Bill 47.

These monitors track a patient’s blood pressure over the course of 24 hours. Readings can help confirm high blood pressure readings taken in the clinic.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a painless imaging test that uses radio waves, magnets and computer software to create detailed pictures of the heart. This test is only available at the hospital’s main campus.

A chest X-ray creates pictures of the structures in and around the chest, including the heart. It can be used to diagnose and monitor cardiac conditions.

Echocardiography uses high-frequency (ultrasound) waves to create pictures of the heart. It allows the doctor to see the heart’s structures and how the heart is functioning. We offer the following echocardiography tests:

• Transthoracic echocardiography — This test involves placing an ultrasound probe on outside of a person’s chest to obtain images of the heart.
• Fetal echocardiography — This test is performed on an unborn baby if results from a routine ultrasound or other prenatal test indicate possible heart problems. It is similar to a prenatal ultrasound, but uses special equipment to obtain images of the fetus’ heart.
• Exercise stress testing — This test involves exercising on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while the doctor monitors the patient’s blood pressure and heart rhythm. While the patient’s heart rate reaches peak levels, the doctor identifies the patient’s peak oxygen consumption and sometimes even takes ultrasound images. Results can show whether the heart is getting enough blood and oxygen during exercise.
• Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) — This test involves obtaining ultrasound images of the heart from inside the patient’s esophagus (“food pipe”). A TEE can obtain very clear images of the upper chambers of the heart, since those structures are located very close to the esophagus. It involves placing an ultrasound probe on the end of a thin, flexible tube, and passing that tube down the throat into the esophagus. This is usually done in the hospital as an outpatient procedure with the help of our anesthesiology colleagues.

Electrocardiography (also called EKG or ECG) is a test used to record electrical activity in the heart. It involves placing electrodes on the skin of the limbs and chest and also helps the cardiologist determine the size of the heart.

Genetic testing can help determine whether the child’s cardiac condition or defect is associated with inherited genetic factors. Test results can help physicians create a personalized treatment plan and help families be aware of the potential for other relatives to have a similar condition or defect.

Portable (or ambulatory) ECG monitors help the doctor learn more about heart rhythm problems. We offer three different kinds of ECG monitors: Holter, event monitor and Zio patch.

• Purpose: This device assesses heart rhythm abnormalities over a 24-48 hour period.
• How to Document Data: Patients record their daily activities and any symptoms in a log book/diary. When experiencing symptoms, such as dizziness or chest pain, the patient presses the blue button on top of the monitor to mark the event.
• Special Instructions: Patients should maintain normal activities, but not shower or bathe while wearing.

• Purpose: This device assesses heart rhythm abnormalities . Patients may wear if for 30 days.
• How to Document Data: Patients who have arrhythmias may be asked to wear this device. When a patient experiences a symptom of arrhythmia, he or she presses a button to record their heart rhythm. Patients transmit data by phone to the Dayton Children’s pediatric cardiology team for analysis.

• Purpose: This disposable, wireless patch assesses heart rhythm abnormalities. Patients may wear it for up to 14 days.
• How to Document Data: While wearing the patch, patients document their symptoms in an event log/diary.
• Special Instructions: Patients may shower while wearing the patch, but should be careful not to submerge it in water. Keep soaps and lotions away from the monitor.