Heart Care 

Treating Children with Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease, also known as a congenital heart defect or CHD, is one of the most common conditions present at birth.

Acquired heart disease develops during childhood, and includes conditions such as cardiomyopathy, Kawasaki disease, rheumatic heart disease, MIS-C associated with COVID-19, and infective endocarditis.

Pediatric cardiology services

• 24-hour Holter monitor: Worn by a patient for 24-72 hours, this device continuously monitors and records the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to evaluate episodes of fast heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Congenital Heart Disease Program: This program provides comprehensive care for the unique needs of children with complex congenital heart disease. Our program is led by specialists who treat patients facing CHD throughout their lifetime. Children may transition into our adult program, the only comprehensive and collaborative pediatric-adult congenital heart program in New Jersey. Additionally, our team of physicians is equipped to treat CHD during pregnancy, ensuring expert care throughout the prenatal period. A multidisciplinary team carefully reviews the patient’s medical history, ensuring a safe delivery for mother and baby.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): A test that records the heart’s electrical activity and frequency of the heartbeat. This diagnostic tool identifies abnormal heart rhythms, conduction abnormalities, and signs of heart disease.
• Echocardiograms: A radiation-free test that assesses the structure and function of the heart. It also identifies problems in valves or cardiac conditions related to chest pain. Our doctors can perform fetal echocardiograms during pregnancy to detect cardiovascular conditions prior to birth.
• Event monitor: Similar to the 24-hour Holter monitor, this is worn by a patient for longer periods of time, typically 30 days, primarily to detect symptoms that are less frequent in nature.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Our unique family approach includes genetic testing for the patient, and immediate and extended family members. We are one of few centers in the New York-New Jersey area that offers this care.
• Inpatient pediatric cardiology consultations: Our pediatric cardiologists are available 24/7 to perform consultations in the neonatal intensive care unit, the pediatric intensive care unit, the pediatric inpatient unit and pediatric emergency department.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This radiation-free diagnostic test allows the physician to visualize the structure and function of the heart.

Fetal Cardiology

Occasionally during pregnancy, the baby’s heart does not form properly. This can lead to a structural or heart rhythm defect. Our cardiology experts provide expert evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for fetal heart conditions.

Your obstetrician or midwife will recommend a visit with a maternal fetal medicine physician to ensure the best care for mother and baby. We work with fetal medicine physicians to care for your baby during pregnancy and carefully plan for your baby’s delivery.