Pediatric Cardiology in Dhaka
Pediatric cardiologists diagnose, treat, and manage heart problems in children, including
- “Congenital heart disease” (heart differences children are born with), such as holes between chambers of the heart, valve problems, and abnormal blood vessels
- “Arrhythmias”, or abnormal heart rhythms caused by the electrical system that controls the heart beat
Some of the commonly diagnosed pediatric heart conditions and their treatment include;
- Aortic Coarctation
This condition is caused by narrowing of the aorta. The condition is treated by removing the narrowed parts or with the insertion of a stent into the narrowed vessel.
- Aortic Valve Stenosis
A deformed and narrow heart valve that restricts blood flow. The pediatric cardiologist can choose from surgical and non-surgical means for valve replacement. Balloon valvuloplasty is one of the treatment methods used to open the valve.
- Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia refers to irregular heart rhythm. Treatment options for arrhythmia include medications, pacemaker implantation, catheter ablation or removal of the tissue causing the condition.
- Endocarditis
Endocarditis refers to the infection of the heart which can be treated with medication. Surgery can be an option but not the most preferred.
- Cardiomyopathy
A condition caused due to a thickened heart that doesn’t pump the blood well is cardiomyopathy. Treatment options for the condition include medication and surgery.
- Pulmonary Artery Stenosis
The heart vessel, pulmonary artery, that carries blood from the heart to the lungs narrows down obstructing the blood flow. This condition can be treated with the help of an angioplasty. Surgical treatment options are opted for in case of failure of non-surgical options.
Congenital heart defects can vary from simple to life-threatening conditions. The warning signs and symptoms which suggest congenital heart defects are;
- Low birth weight
- Chest pain
- Delayed growth
- Bluish lips, fingers and skin
- Difficulty in feeding
