Stress Test
A stress test involves a patient exercising for a certain amount of time during which certain vital parameters are monitored such as heart rate and rhythm, ECG, and blood pressure. Stress testing is useful in the evaluation of numerous different symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness. It can also help assess the overall fitness of a child or young adult. Our office provides all the necessary equipment to perform a thorough stress test on your child.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A transesophageal echocardiogram is a more complex ultrasound which is performed by passing a probe through the mouth and down the back of the esophagus. This allows better visualization of the heart structures for those cases where a transthoracic study is not effective. Transesophageal echocardiograms are performed in a hospital setting with the use of sedation or anesthesia.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a recording of the electrical forces in the heart. It allows for the detection of heart rhythm abnormalities such as supraventricular tachycardia or atrioventricular block. It can be done on children of any age and is completely painless.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (or “echo” for short) is simply an ultrasound of the heart. A transducer which emits sound beams is placed on the child's chest to clearly visualize the heart structures. An echo is a completely painless procedure which typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. It is used most commonly to evaluate for possible structural defects of the heart. In our office, echoes are performed by both physicians as well as technicians in a calm and relaxing atmosphere for your child. Our rooms are equipped with televisions and DVD players to ease any stress that your child may experience.
Fetal Cardiac Diagnosis And Management
All of our physicians are experts in fetal cardiac diagnosis and management. We work closely with your obstetrician and perinatologist to assist in the management of your child. We have extensive experience with all forms of complex congenital heart disease, including hypoplastic left heart syndrome, tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary valve atresia, aortic stenosis, transposition of the great arteries, atrioventricular canal defect, ventricular septal defect, Ebstein’s anomaly of the tricuspid valve, and coarctation of the aorta, as well as many other forms of heart disease. We are also experts in heart rhythm disorders such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and congenital complete atrioventricular block.