It can be concerned and nerve -racking if your pediatrician recommends your child to see a cardiologist. The appointment of each doctor can be scary, but one that entails such a delicate and essential muscle can feel even more.
Dr. Paul F. Kantor, MBBCH, M.SC., FRCPC, serves as head of cardiology and co-director of the Heart Institute in Chla. He states: “A special pediatric heart center has extensive test options and can make a clear diagnosis within one or two visits.”
A proactive way to relieve your nerves is to investigate and prepare for the appointment. Collect the entire medical history of your child and prints of blood tests or advanced test results from other medical agreements. Moreover, make sure that your child has the best possible care by checking whether your pediatric cardiologist is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. In addition to this investigation, let some questions be prepared to ask the doctor to guarantee that you will receive the answers you need. Below you will find a list of four basic questions that can give you some useful answers from the pediatric cardiologist.
What heart problems does my child have?
“There are different categories of heart problems,” says Dr. Kantor. “Heart mutter are common reasons why children see a cardiologist, and they are often harmless. Children can have congenital heart defects that influence the structures of the heart, heart valves or blood vessels and develop during pregnancy. We also treat children for heart muscle disorders and heart rhythm abnormalities. “
Why does my child have a heart condition?
Genetics can play a role if there is a family history of cardiovascular issues. But often the cause of a child’s heart problems is unknown. Possible perpetrators are bacterial or viral infections that have led to myocarditis, environmental oxins and lifestyle factors such as poor diet, exposure to smoking/vapen and lack of exercise.
Discuss all options with the pediatric cardiologist, such as when you know the cause of the problem, it can be easier to pay attention to risks and warning signals.
What are treatment options?
The cardiologist will most likely recommend one or more treatment options for your child. Don’t forget to ask about the pros and cons of each treatment. Most children do not need surgery to treat their heart condition, but in some scenarios it is necessary. If surgery is required, ask for surgical possibilities, the latest treatments and advanced technologies related to the condition of your child.
How can I help protect my child’s health?
Dr. Kantor is insisting to cultivate healthy habits for both your child and yourself. “We spend a lot of time talking to parents about hiring a heart-healthy lifestyle,” he says. “In addition to patients with existing heart conditions, we see children who run the risk of future problems due to lifestyle habits.”
He recommends asking your cardiologist how you can absorb a healthy diet, regularly exercise, eliminate smoking/vapen and limiting the screen time in the daily routine of you and your child to a better overall health of the heart.