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What Is Cardiology?

Cardiology is the branch of medicine that treats diseases and disorders of the heart.

A pediatric cardiologist is a heart specialist who has special training diagnosing and treating children’s heart-related (cardiac) problems.

Which conditions does cardiology treat?

Complex conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, and various genetic conditions can lead to secondary cardiac issues.

The symptoms of pediatric heart problems can include:

  • Cardiac insufficiency
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Enlarged atria and ventricles
  • Irregular heartbeat

Which tests and treatments are done by cardiology?

After performing cardiology tests, cardiologists might diagnose your child with a cardiology condition. If your child does have a secondary cardiology condition, our cardiologists will recommend advanced treatments to improve your child’s heart function or slow down heart deterioration.

For example, a doctor might prescribe medicines, provide nutrition counseling, or recommend an exercise program. These treatments can prevent or slow down heart complications related to various complex conditions, such as cerebral palsy.

Cardiology Services at Gillette Children's

If your child has a disability or complex condition, they might also experience secondary cardiac issues related to their primary conditions. At Gillette, we organize our integrated care services around these conditions, to make sure kids can always get the care they need, when they need it most. 

Our cardiologists are experts at working with children who have physical disabilities—and who experience challenges with behavior, communication, and thinking and learning. We also understand how complex conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy can affect the heart.

Our facilities and technology are designed specifically to make care as comfortable and convenient as possible for your family. Working together with providers in other areas of treatment, our cardiologists provide care that can minimize the long-term secondary effects of conditions that begin in childhood.

Gillette collaborates with pediatric specialists at The Children’s Heart Clinic to provide expert services and support for our patients.

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