Perspective, Int J Cardiol Res Vol: 12 Issue: 1

An Overview on Pediatric Cardiology and its Treatment Methods

Cousino Andrea^*

¹Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Michigan, USA

*Corresponding Author: Cousino Andrea
Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Michigan, USA;
E-mail: andrea.c@gmail.com

Received date: 07 February, 2023, Manuscript No. ICRJ-23-94976;

Editor assigned date: 09 February, 2023, PreQC No. ICRJ-23-94976 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 23 February, 2023, QC No. ICRJ-23-94976;

Revised date: 02 March, 2023, Manuscript No. ICRJ-23-94976 (R);

Published date: 13 March, 2023 DOI: 10.4172/2324-8602.1000486.

Citation: Ogunka-Nnoka CU, Ben-Piakor TE, Mepba HD, Ifeanacho MO (2020) Effect of Processing on Phytochemicals and Nutrient Composition of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L). J Food Nutr Disor 9:2. doi: 10.37532/jfnd.2020.9(2).271

Description

Pediatric cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in children, from newborns to adolescents. Heart disease in children can demonstrate in many different ways, ranging from congenital defects to acquired heart conditions. Pediatric cardiology is a specialized field that requires information of pediatric cardiovascular health. Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are the most common type of heart conditions observed in children. These defects can affect the structure and function of the heart and are present at the time of birth. Some CHDs are significant and do not require treatment, while others can be lifethreatening and require surgery or other treatments. The most common types of CHDs include Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and tetralogy of fallot.

Atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect are defects in the walls that separate the heart's chambers. ASD is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart, while VSD is a hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart. These defects can cause blood to flow abnormally between the chambers, resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor growth. Treatment for these defects may include medication, surgery, or a device is called as cardiac catheterization. Tetralogy of Fallot is a more complex congenital heart defects that involves several defects in the heart's structure. It is characterized by four abnormalities: A hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart, a narrowing of the pulmonary valve, an enlarged aorta, and thickened heart muscle. These defects can lead to a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, blue-tinted skin, and fainting. Treatment for tetralogy of fallot typically involves surgery to modify the defects.

In addition to CHDs, children can also develop acquired heart conditions, such as myocarditis or arrhythmias. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can be caused by a viral infection or other factors. It can cause symptoms such as chest pain, fever, and fatigue. Treatment for myocarditis may include medication, rest, and close monitoring of the heart's function. Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can occur in children for various factors, including congenital heart defects, infections, or medications. Some arrhythmias are harmless to humans, while others can be life threatening. Treatment for arrhythmias may include medication, procedures such as catheter ablation, or implantation of a defibrillator.

Pediatric cardiologists use a wide range of tools and techniques to diagnose heart conditions in children. These may include physical exams, Electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, and cardiac catheterizations. Physical exams can help to detect abnormalities in the heart's rhythm, heart rate, and sounds. ECGs measure the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias or other abnormalities. Echocardiograms use ultrasound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. Cardiac catheterizations involve threading a thin tube through a blood vessel to the heart, allowing doctors to measure the heart's function and diagnose certain heart conditions.

Treatment for heart conditions in children may involve medication, surgery, or a combination of both. Medications can help to control symptoms such as shortness of breath or arrhythmias. Surgery may be necessary to modify structural abnormalities in the heart, such as closing a hole or restoring a valve. In some cases, multiple surgeries may be necessary to fully control a heart condition. Pediatric cardiologists collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as paediatricians, paediatric cardiac surgeons, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care for children with heart disease.