Heart conditions in children, particularly congenital heart defects (CHDs), are relatively common. Here are some key statistics:

• Congenital heart defects: CHDs are the most common type of birth defect. Approximately 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 babies are born with a congenital heart defect. This translates to about 40,000 babies per year in the United States alone.
• Acquired heart conditions: While less common than congenital defects, children can develop acquired heart conditions such as rheumatic heart disease, Kawasaki disease and myocarditis. These conditions can result from infections, inflammation or other diseases.
• Arrhythmias: Heart rhythm problems, or arrhythmias, can also occur in children, although they are less common than structural heart defects.
• Treatment: Some heart conditions in children are minor and may resolve on their own or require minimal treatment, while others can be severe and require ongoing medical care, medication or surgery.

Regular prenatal care, early detection through screening, and advances in pediatric cardiology have significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment outcomes for children with heart conditions.

Learn more in our blog about congenital heart disease.

At a pediatric cardiology appointment, you can expect to provide a detailed medical history, and discuss symptoms or concerns with the cardiologist. The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and may conduct diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, pulse oximetry or blood tests. Based on the findings, the cardiologist will explain the diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and outline a follow-up plan.

This appointment is an opportunity to ask questions and receive educational materials about your child's heart health, conditions and health care plan. Coordination with your child's primary care doctor or other specialists may also be arranged for ongoing care and monitoring.

Upon joining AdventHealth, St. Luke’s Hospital will become AdventHealth Polk.

Physicians employed by St. Luke’s will become members of the AdventHealth Medical Group. While you’ll start to see signs and logos changing, it won’t change anything about your close relationship with the care team you’ve come to know and trust.

Yes. The mission of AdventHealth is “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ” to the people and communities we serve. This mission is carried out through the healing and health-promoting work of our hospitals, clinics and related institutions.

Yes. Physicians employed by the hospital will become members of the AdventHealth Medical Group. While you'll start to see signs and logos changing, it won't change anything about your close relationship with the care team you've come to know and trust.

If your insurance is already accepted, we'll still be able to accept it. Additionally, you can still make an appointment with the same team of physicians and care providers you’ve come to know and trust. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider directly.

With a sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 95,000 skilled and compassionate caregivers in physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care.

A shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health, and commitment to making communities healthier unify the system's 50+ hospital campuses and hundreds of care sites in diverse markets throughout nine states.