Preparing for Your Visit
To prepare for your visit, please read some helpful tips to ensure that we are able to provide the most efficient and reliable care for your child:
- Download and complete our new patient packet. Either fax the packet back to us or bring it with you at the time of your visit.
- Bring a list of ALL current medications (including name of medication, strength, dosage, and frequency)
- Bring any relevant medical reports that pertain to your child’s visit (ie, lab results, electrocardiograms, X-rays, etc.)
- Bring formula or milk if your child is an infant. Pacifiers are encouraged.
- Bring toys or comfort items that will keep your child comfortable throughout the visit (ie, a favorite stuffed animal or toy; music, videos or games for distraction).
Your child’s evaluation
Your child’s evaluation in the pediatric cardiology office will be tailored to meet his or her specific needs. In general, your visit will include the following examination procedures:
1. Vital signs are vital!
We start the visit by checking your child’s height & weight, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
2. Performing an ELECTROcardiogram (ie, EKG).
This study provides information about your child’s heart rate and heart rhythm. It also provides indirect information about the structure of your child’s heart.
3. Performing an ECHOcardiogram (ie. echo).
This study is most commonly known as a cardiac sonogram or ultrasound (all three terms are synonymous). This study provides information about the structure of your child’s heart and his heart function. This study enables us to check the walls of the heart to make sure there are no holes, to make sure the valves of the heart are working properly, and to measure the thickness of the heart muscle, etc.
Together, an EKG and echo provides us with a comprehensive look at your child’s heart health.
4. Further Testing.
Depending on the reason for your child’s evaluation, he or she may need further testing, such as a Holter monitor, event recorder, exercise stress test, tilt table test, etc.