Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology
With more than 50 pediatric cardiologists in more than 20 locations across the state, our Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology clinics provide accessible outpatient care for your child’s cardiology needs. During your first appointment, our team will provide a thorough evaluation, including an exam and diagnostic testing, if needed. Our pediatric cardiologists will take time to personally discuss their findings and recommendations. Each patient receives individualized specialty care, and we offer convenient locations throughout Georgia to provide high-quality heart care to patients throughout the state.
Our pediatric cardiologists are also available to provide inpatient consultations and patient care at more than 40 Georgia hospitals through our City Call Program. With more than 40,000 patient visits annually, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology is one of the largest pediatric cardiac programs in the country.
What is a Pediatric Cardiologist?
A Pediatric Cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Their role is crucial in ensuring the cardiovascular health and well-being of young patients from birth through adolescence. Here’s an overview of their specialized training and expertise:
- Medical Education: Pediatric cardiologists undergo extensive medical education, including four years of medical school followed by a residency in pediatrics. This foundational training provides them with a solid understanding of general pediatric care.
- Fellowship Training in Pediatric Cardiology: After completing their residency, aspiring pediatric cardiologists undertake additional fellowship training specifically focused on pediatric cardiology. This fellowship typically lasts three years and involves comprehensive education and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in children.
- Expertise in Congenital Heart Disease: Pediatric cardiologists specialize in congenital heart disease, which refers to heart abnormalities present at birth. These conditions can range from simple defects to complex structural abnormalities, and pediatric cardiologists are trained to diagnose and manage a wide spectrum of congenital heart defects.
- Advanced Diagnostic Skills: Pediatric cardiologists possess advanced diagnostic skills to accurately assess heart function and structure in children. They use a variety of diagnostic techniques, including echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiography (ECG), cardiac MRI, and cardiac catheterization, to evaluate and diagnose heart conditions.
- Treatment Planning and Management: Based on their diagnostic findings, pediatric cardiologists develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific condition and needs. Treatment options may include medication management, cardiac catheterization procedures, surgical interventions, and long-term follow-up care.
- Collaborative Care Approach: Pediatric cardiologists work closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including pediatric cardiac surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive care for children with heart conditions. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive holistic and coordinated care throughout their medical journey.
- Patient and Family-Centered Care: Pediatric cardiologists prioritize patient and family-centered care, actively involving parents and caregivers in treatment decisions and providing compassionate support to families facing the challenges of managing a child’s heart condition.
Pediatric cardiologists play a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart conditions in children. Their specialized training, advanced diagnostic skills, and multidisciplinary approach to care make them uniquely qualified to provide expert cardiovascular care for pediatric patients from infancy through adolescence.
Our Pediatric Heart Programs and Services
When it comes to your child’s heart, you’ll go to any length to receive specialized, high-quality care, and in the Atlanta area, you don’t have to go far to find it. We’re ranked as one of the top pediatric cardiac and cardiology programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.*
Our team collaborates with other specialists to help your child’s specific needs. We work with you through each step of treatment, often from before your child is born through adolescence and into young adulthood. You’ll always know what to expect and how to take the best care of your child.
Our specialty heart programs include:
- Aorta and Vascular Program
- Arrhythmia Program
- Cardiomyopathy Program
- Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery Program
- Fetal Cardiology Program
- Heart Transplant Program
- Preventive Cardiology Program
- Project S.A.V.E.
- Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction Program
- Pulmonary Hypertension Program
- Pulmonary Vein Stenosis (PVS) Program
- Single Ventricle Program
- Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Infants Program
- Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program
Pediatric Heart Defects and Conditions We Treat
- Arrhythmia
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chest pain
- Congestive heart failure
- Complex congenital heart disease
- Heart murmur
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypertension
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
- Long QT syndrome
- Myocarditis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Tetralogy of fallot (TOF)
- Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
Inpatient Cardiac Care at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center
As a top-ranked center for pediatric heart care, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center is experienced in treating all kinds of heart problems in infants and children. We provide comprehensive cardiac services for congenital and acquired heart disease for babies to young adults, as well as prenatal (before birth) diagnostics. Treating more than 48,000 children every year, the Heart Center has gained national recognition for our innovative treatments, leading-edge research, and compassionate care.
We also offer supportive programs for our heart patients and their families, including:
- Kids at Heart Program: Our Kids at Heart community provides support and resources to families, parents and caregivers of children with congenital heart defects. With more than 900 member families, Kids at Heart offers opportunities to learn from one another about the challenges that come with having a child with heart defects.
- Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program: Our Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program provides critical mental health support to cardiac patients and families, as these patients typically have long periods of hospitalization.
Related:
Visit our blog to learn more about common heart conditions from our skilled pediatric cardiologists, hear stories from our patients and their families, and more!
Learn more about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology and explore what conditions we evaluate and treat, meet our pediatric cardiologists, and helpful resources.