Paediatric cardiology

Introduction

In paediatrics, cardiology is very different from cardiology. In adults, its generally an old age acquired problem, due to atherosclerosis and the like; in kids it is mostly congenital. Apart from rheumatic heart disease, everything you will see will be congenital heart malformations.

Haematology is much smaller and is only included just in case.

Cardiology

The functioning of the heart changes rapidly at the point of birth. This happens due to the closing of the foramen ovale, which is an important pyhsiological stage to check out. Along with the problems there can be with this process, it is worth reading about congenital heart problems. There are two types: cyanotic and non-cyanotic.

Non cyanotic

This is the type of disorder that, although causes difficulties, doesn't affect the blood oxygen level. They are more common, because they are less serious for the patient.

Patent ductus arteriosus

Again, the ductus arteriosis can fail to close. This is more serious however, since the higher pressure in the aorta than the pulmonary artery means that there is a left-to-right shunt, and the child can suffer from laboured breathing and failure to thrive. There is also an high possibility of congestive heart failure if the patent duct is not closed surgically.

More more on the ductus arteriosus, check this page

Cyanotic

In these disorders, the flow of blood round the heart is so messed up that oxygenated blood is not perfused through the body properly, hence the kids can look blue, or be centrally cyanosed.