Paediatric cardiology

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Introduction

In paediatrics, cardiology is very different from adult 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.

Ventricularseptaldefect.png

Ventricular septal defect

These are the most common congenital heart problems. Usually asymptomatic, with a pansystolic murmur, and a parasternal thrill on examination. Failure to thrive is common. It can lead onto paediatric heart failure. Most VSDs will close up on their own in the first few years of life, but around 10% will require surgery.

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

Pulmonary stenosis

Atrial septal defect

Coarctation of the aorta

Aortic stenosis

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.

Tetralogy of Fallot

Transposition of the great arteries

Haematology