Heart Disease

 Pediatric Healthy Hearts provides personalized care plans for congenital and acquired heart disease in newborns, children, and adolescents. Nida Yousef, MD, and the cardiologists specialize in cardiac tests like echocardiogram, and electrocardiograms (EKGs) to identify heart disease early so you can avoid chronic complications. The providers also offer ongoing heart disease management to ensure your condition is well-controlled. Call the Evergreen Park, Illinois, office today to schedule a heart disease consultation or book an appointment online.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is an umbrella term for several types of congenital and acquired heart conditions. The most common type of birth defects among  young children is congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease affects 1 out of 100 babies at birth. 

Some congenital heart disease needs correction by surgery or catheter procedure after birth. Some are more benign but will need follow up with pediatric cardiologist on regular basis. Children can acquire heart disease after certain infections , or can inherit certain genes which can result in heart problems as they are growing. 

Pediatric Healthy Hearts offers comprehensive care for newborn and children with congenital and acquired cardiac condition. The cardiologists customize a care plan to address any heart probelms or existing symptoms your child might have and prevent heart disease from worsening.

When should I see a doctor for heart disease?

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Pediatric Healthy Hearts if your child was born with a congenital defect in the heart, recent diagnosis of heart murmur, family history of inherited cardiac conditions, or sudden unexplained death in the family. Also if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Pressure in the chest
• Chest tightness or pain
• Jaw or neck pain
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fainting (syncope)
• Swollen ankles
• Temperature changes in the arms or legs

You can also schedule a preventive heart screening if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, smoking history, or having close family members with heart disease.

The cardiologists provide diagnostic tests like electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram in-office to confirm that your symptoms relate to heart disease.

How is heart disease treated?

The treatment of the heart disease depends on the etiology.  Pediatric Healthy Hearts providers may recommend surgery, catherter intervention, diet modifications and lifestyle changes to strengthen your child's heart. Some symptoms might need prescription medications. The cardiologists continue to monitor your child's medications during routine follow-up visits to ensure the heart is functioning optimally.

Pediatric Healthy Hearts also offers medically supervised weight loss programs for the entire family. The providers help you make lasting changes to your diet and eating habits to support safe weight loss and improve your heart health.

Call Pediatric Healthy Hearts today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of heart disease or book an appointment online.