Paediatric cardiology focuses on diagnosing and managing heart conditions affecting newborns, infants, children and adolescents. Specialist assessment may involve physical examination, electrocardiography and echocardiography. Treatment planning depends on the child's cardiac anatomy, symptoms and overall clinical condition.
Congenital heart disease includes structural abnormalities of the heart and major blood vessels present from birth. Evaluation often involves echocardiography to determine the type and severity of the defect. Management may include observation, medication, catheter-based intervention or referral for cardiac surgery.
Paediatric echocardiography uses ultrasound to examine the structure and function of a child's heart. It helps assess heart chambers, valves, blood flow and congenital abnormalities. The investigation is non-invasive and is commonly used for diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.
Fetal echocardiography is a specialised ultrasound examination of a baby's heart during pregnancy. It helps identify certain structural and functional heart abnormalities before birth. Early diagnosis allows healthcare teams to plan delivery, neonatal assessment and treatment when necessary.
Three-dimensional echocardiography produces detailed images of cardiac structures and can help evaluate selected complex heart abnormalities. It provides additional anatomical information alongside conventional imaging. The technique may support specialist assessment and planning for certain interventions.
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases affecting the heart muscle that may reduce pumping function or alter cardiac structure. Children with suspected cardiomyopathy require specialist investigation and follow-up. Management depends on the type of condition, symptoms and degree of cardiac dysfunction.
Paediatric heart failure occurs when a child's heart cannot adequately meet the body's circulatory needs. Causes may include congenital abnormalities and heart muscle diseases. Management can involve medication, nutritional support, cardiac monitoring and advanced specialist assessment when needed.
Complex congenital heart defects may involve several structural abnormalities affecting blood circulation. Detailed imaging helps specialists understand the anatomy and determine treatment options. Some children require multidisciplinary planning involving paediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and intensive care specialists.
Three-dimensional cardiac modelling uses imaging data to produce detailed representations of the heart. In selected complex congenital cases, models can help clinicians visualise anatomical relationships and support multidisciplinary treatment planning. The method complements established cardiac investigations.
Heart transplant evaluation may be considered for selected children with advanced heart failure when conventional treatments are insufficient. Assessment involves detailed investigation of cardiac function, overall health and suitability for transplantation. Care requires a multidisciplinary specialist programme.