Pediatric Cardiology Clinic

The Pediatric Cardiology Clinic at Bangkok Hospital specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases in infants, children, and adolescents. While heart disease is commonly associated with adults and the elderly, it can also affect newborns, babies, and kids. The clinic provides comprehensive care for both congenital and acquired heart diseases in children. 

Congenital heart defects are abnormalities that occur during fetal development, affecting the structure or function of the heart. The causes of congenital heart defects can be attributed to various factors, including genetics, certain medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors such as smoking. These defects may range from simple conditions that may not require immediate treatment to complex cases that require multiple surgeries over several years. Serious congenital heart defects are often diagnosed before or shortly after birth, while some defects may be discovered during adulthood. If left untreated, heart defects can progress and surgical treatment may not be an option. However, certain congenital heart diseases, such as small septal defects or mild heart valve stenosis, may not require medical treatment but lifestyle modifications are recommended to prevent complications. 

Acquired heart diseases in children develop after birth and can have various causes. Some common acquired heart diseases in children include: 

• Rheumatic heart disease: This condition occurs when the heart valves are permanently damaged by rheumatic fever, which is typically the result of untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection. Rheumatic fever most often affects children of school age. 

• Kawasaki disease: This disease causes inflammation in the walls of arteries throughout the body, including the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. It can lead to the formation of coronary artery aneurysms. 

• Viral myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscles, known as viral myocarditis, can occur due to viral infections. This inflammation can disrupt the electrical pathways that signal the heart to beat properly, potentially leading to sudden cardiac arrest. 

• Heart rhythm problems: Abnormal heart rhythms, such as tachycardia (rapid heart rate), can occur in children and may manifest as heart palpitations, rapid heartbeats, chest pain, and dizziness. These rhythm problems can sometimes lead to fatal conditions like sudden cardiac death. 

Signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease are often apparent soon after birth, including shortness of breath during feedings, cyanosis (pale gray, purple, or blue skin color), and rapid breathing. However, some children may not exhibit noticeable signs of heart problems until later in life, typically during adolescence or young adulthood. Symptoms that may indicate heart disease in older children and teenagers include shortness of breath during exercise, easy fatigue, and fainting during physical activity. 

Treatment options for congenital heart defects depend on the type and severity of the defect. Some defects, particularly small ones, may correct themselves as the child grows. Catheterization procedures can be used to repair certain defects without the need for open-heart surgery. During these procedures, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a leg vein and guided to the heart using X-ray imaging. Tiny tools such as mesh patches or plugs are threaded through the catheter to close holes or repair narrow areas. Over time, the heart tissue grows around the mesh, permanently sealing the defect. Catheter-based procedures can be performed in children aged over 5 and adults. Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, may be prescribed to prevent blood clots in the treated areas. Close follow-up visits with echocardiograms are necessary at scheduled intervals. However, some complex conditions may require heart surgery as the primary treatment option. The choice of treatment is determined based on factors such as the size, location, and type of defect, as well as the individual's overall health condition. 

The Pediatric Cardiology Clinic at Bangkok Hospital is dedicated to providing specialized care for children with heart diseases. The clinic's team of pediatric cardiologists and healthcare professionals work closely with patients and their families to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment plans, and ongoing support for children with cardiac conditions. 

The Pediatric Cardiology Clinic at Bangkok Hospital offers expert diagnosis and treatment for congenital and acquired heart diseases in children. Services include catheterization, lifestyle advice, medication, and surgery, with a focus on personalized care and ongoing support from skilled pediatric cardiologists.