15^th World Heart Congress

Pediatric Cardiology

Pediatric cardiology is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. It covers a wide range of congenital (present at birth) and acquired heart diseases, including congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and rheumatic heart disease. Early detection and intervention are crucial to improving outcomes and ensuring normal growth and development. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most common birth defects, affecting nearly 1% of newborns. Conditions like atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and tetralogy of Fallot require careful monitoring and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Advances in fetal echocardiography allow for early diagnosis, sometimes even before birth, enabling prompt treatment after delivery. Pediatric cardiologists use various diagnostic tools, including echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and cardiac MRIs, to assess heart function. Treatment options range from medications and catheter-based interventions to open-heart surgery. For severe cases, heart transplantation may be necessary. Recent innovations, such as minimally invasive procedures and 3D-printed heart models for surgical planning, have improved survival rates and quality of life for children with heart conditions. With continuous advancements, pediatric cardiology plays a vital role in ensuring a healthier future for children with heart disease.