Pediatric Heart Health

When Only the Best Will Do

Your child should be able to learn, play and grow without worries or health concerns. The compassionate, world-class care team at the AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute will work to get them back to their carefree childhood as quickly as possible.

Our experts are committed to helping your child manage their pediatric cardiology condition. We partner with the pediatric cardiologists at AdventHealth for Children to deliver the best, most innovative and proven heart care for children.

Specialized Heart Care for Your Little One

When it comes to matters of the heart, your child deserves exceptional care. That’s why at AdventHealth, we offer specialized pediatric cardiology care at AdventHealth for Children practices in Orlando and Tampa. Our board-certified cardiologists will treat your children with uncommon compassion and clinical excellence, putting their hearts into caring for theirs.

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Cardiologists Who Put Your Heart First

Your heart supports your whole health — and so do our physicians. Count on our experienced cardiologists near you to design a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, so your heart can beat stronger for longer.

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Answering Your Pediatric Heart Health Questions

The more you know about you and your little ones' health, the more empowered you’ll be as you and your family journey toward wholeness. We’re here to answer these frequently asked questions about pediatric heart health, and your care team will be happy to answer any questions you have throughout your treatment.

  • What is a heart murmur in a child, and is it dangerous?

    A heart murmur in a child is an abnormal sound produced by blood flowing through the heart. Most of the time, heart murmurs in children don’t indicate that anything is wrong. In fact, about 80% of children will have a heart murmur at some point. These heart murmurs are known as innocent or functional, and they don’t require your child to take any medications or physical precautions.

    Although it’s unlikely, children may develop abnormal (pathological) heart murmurs, which means an underlying condition or illness causes them. Abnormal heart murmurs can be caused by:

    • A fever
    • Congenital heart defects
    • Heart valve disease
    • Infections
    • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
    • Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

  • What symptoms could mean my child has a heart problem or congenital heart disease?

    It’s important to know that symptoms of a heart condition or congenital heart disease vary by child and the type and severity of the condition. Some heart conditions have little or no symptoms. But overall, symptoms that could mean your child has a heart problem include:

    • Blue-tinted nails or lips
    • Fainting during physical activity
    • Rapid or troubled breathing
    • Shortness of breath during feeding
    • Sleepiness
    • Swelling in the legs, belly, hands, ankles, feet or around the eyes

  • When does a child need to see a pediatric cardiologist?

    Your child would need to see a pediatric cardiologist if their pediatrician found a potential heart problem during a routine visit or if they’re showing symptoms such as unexplained chest pain or an irregular heartbeat. Common reasons that children get referred to a pediatric cardiologist include:

    • Chest pain
    • Detection of a heart murmur
    • Difficulty gaining weight in newborns
    • Fainting or dizziness
    • Family history of heart condition
    • Heart palpitations
    • High blood pressure or cholesterol
    • Shortness of breath

  • Can my child play sports or be physically active if they have a heart condition or murmur?

    Yes, your child can play sports or be physically active only if their cardiologist has cleared them. Children with certain heart conditions, like an innocent or functional heart murmur, can remain physically active without concern. However, other heart conditions would require your child to be less active for their safety. These conditions include:

    • Cardiomyopathy
    • Children with implanted devices or blood thinners
    • Electrical arrhythmias
    • Myocarditis
    • Severe pulmonary hypertension

    If you’re ever unsure whether it’s safe for your child to play sports or be physically active, consult with their pediatric cardiologist.

  • What tests are used to check a child’s heart, and what do they show?

    There are a variety of tests that can be performed to evaluate your child’s heart health and function, including:

    • CT-Scan or MRI: CT-scans provide clearer pictures of the plaque buildup in your arteries, and MRIs provide images of the heart’s soft tissues to determine its health and pumping efficiency
    • Echocardiogram: A noninvasive test that uses sound waves to capture pictures of the heart to determine its health, function and structure
    • Electrocardiogram: A painless test that uses electrodes placed on the chest and limbs to record the heartbeat for a few seconds to check for irregularities
    • Heart monitor: A portable heart monitor that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity as you go about your normal day to catch abnormalities

Find Pediatric Cardiology Care Near You

The expertise and support you need to keep your heart beating strong are right here at our AdventHealth Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute. We offer trusted pediatric heart care and more, close to home. Explore our locations or let our team guide you to the one that’s right for you.