Pediatric Cardiac Outpatient Services & Diagnostic Tests

Our outpatient division has the capability to evaluate any heart concern that either you or your pediatrician believe need the attention of a pediatric cardiology specialist. During your visit, your child will be seen and evaluated by a team specially trained in the care of children. Your team will include technicians, nurses, and physicians all dedicated to the well-being of children.

A typical visit will begin with the assessment of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation followed by the performance of an electrocardiogram (EKG). You will then meet with your child's physician, who will take a thorough history about your current concerns as well as other medical conditions and heart problems that may be present in your family. A physical examination will be performed with detailed attention to the cardiovascular system.

Based on this evaluation, your pediatric cardiologist will determine if further testing is needed. Additional testing may include an echocardiogram (ultrasound or sonogram of the heart), Holter monitor (heart rhythm monitor), or exercise stress testing. Many of these tests can be performed on the same day as your visit. If a transthoracic echocardiogram is needed, it will be performed during your visit in our office (either before or after seeing your physician).

Following the visit, our physicians remain available to you by phone for discussion regarding final testing results and/or on-going symptoms with the ability to provide follow-up outpatient visits when needed.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test that uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce detailed 3-dimensional pictures of the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. Unlike an X-Ray or CT scan, an MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Using MRI, we can diagnose and evaluate conditions such as congenital heart disease, Marfan syndrome, and aortic aneurysms.

• Learn more: Your Childs's MRI: What to Expect

Exercise Testing

Comprehensive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), also called stress testing, is a non-invasive test evaluates a child's heart during exercise by taking measurements during an activity such as bicycling or using a treadmill.

• Learn more: Exercise Testing: What to Expect