Paediatric
Pediatric heart disease is a term used to describe several different heart conditions in children. The most common type of pediatric heart disease is congenital, meaning that children are born with it.
The different types of pediatric heart disease include:
- Aortic Stenosis (AS)
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
- Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)
- Coarctation of the Aorta
- Vascular Rings
- Pulmonary Stenosis (PS)
- Pulmonary Atresia (PA)
- Single Ventricle (Functionally
- Univentricular Heart)
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
- Ebstein’s Anomaly
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
- Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA)
- Patent DuctusArteriosus (PDA)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
- Total Anomalous Pulmonary
- Venous Return (TAPVR)
- Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
- Tricuspid Atresia
- Truncus Arteriosus
What is Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) ?
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) – There is a hole between the two bottom chambers (the ventricles) of the heart that eject blood to the body and lungs.
Overriding aorta – The aorta, the large artery that takes blood to the body, is on top of both ventricles, instead of just the left ventricle as in a normal heart.
Pulmonary stenosis – There is a narrowing of the pulmonary valve, the area below the valve, or the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs.
Hypertrophy – The right ventricle becomes thicker and more muscular than normal as a result of working harder to pump blood through the narrow pulmonary valve.
What are the symptoms of TOF?
The symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot include:
- Blue or purple tint to lips, skin and nails (cyanosis).
- Heart murmur – the heart sounds abnormal when a doctor listens with a stethoscope
- In older children, abnormal shape of the fingertips (“clubbing”)
- Spells during which oxygen levels drop – lips and skin will become bluer, and the child will become fussy or irritable and then sleepy or unresponsive
How is Tetralogy of Fallot diagnosed?
Tetralogy of Fallot may be diagnosed with fetal echocardiogram (ultrasound). Our Fetal Heart Program will prepare a plan for delivery and care immediately after birth.
Doctors might make the TOF diagnosis before the newborn leaves the hospital if they hear a murmur or see a blue tint to the skin; a primary care pediatrician might detect the same symptoms during a checkup; or a parent might notice TOF symptoms and bring the baby to a doctor or hospital.
Diagnosis of TOF may require some or all of these tests:
- Pulse oximetry – a painless way to monitor the oxygen content of the blood
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a record of the electrical activity of the heart
- Echocardiogram (also called “echo” or ultrasound) – sound waves create an image of the heart
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac MRI – a three-dimensional image shows the heart’s abnormalities
Cardiac catheterization – a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the heart through a large vein in the leg
What are the Treatment options for Tetralogy of Fallot?
Diagnosis of TOF may require some or all of these tests:
Typically in the first few months of life we will perform open-heart surgery to patch the hole (VSD) and widen the pulmonary valve or artery. In some cases, depending on the unique needs of the patient, we will perform a temporary repair until a complete repair can be done. The temporary repair involves connecting the pulmonary arteries (which carry blood from heart to lungs) with one of the large arteries that carry blood away from the heart to the body. This increases the amount of blood that reaches the lungs, and so increases the amount of oxygen in the blood.
FAQ
Pediatric care focuses on the health and medical needs of infants, children, and adolescents. A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in treating children from birth to young adulthood, ensuring their physical, emotional, and developmental health.
You should take your child for:
- Routine check-ups and vaccinations
- Illnesses like fever, cough, or infections
- Developmental concerns
- Injuries or behavioral issues
- Regular visits help track growth, prevent illness, and catch problems early.
At a well-child visit, your pediatrician will:
- Measure height, weight, and growth
- Check developmental milestones
- Give vaccinations
- Answer your questions about sleep, diet, learning, and behavior
Babies should visit several times in the first year. After that, yearly visits are recommended for children and teens to monitor growth, development, and overall health.
Yes. Vaccines are thoroughly tested and approved by health authorities. They protect your child from serious diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough and are an essential part of preventive care.
It’s normal! Pediatricians are trained to work with children and make visits as calm and friendly as possible. You can help by bringing a favorite toy or talking positively about the visit ahead of time.
Yes. Pediatricians can identify early signs of ADHD, autism, anxiety, or learning difficulties, and refer you to specialists or support programs if needed.
Fever in children is common. Call your doctor if:
- Your child is under 3 months and has a fever
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- Your child seems unusually drowsy, irritable, or dehydrated
A pediatrician can advise based on age and symptoms.
Pediatricians help manage chronic issues like asthma, allergies, diabetes, or epilepsy, working closely with specialists to create a long-term care plan that supports your child’s daily life and growth.
Look for a pediatrician who is:
- Experienced and board-certified
- Good at communicating with you and your child
- Conveniently located and available for emergencies
Ask other parents, visit the clinic, and trust your instincts to find the right fit.
