Specialised heart evaluation for infants, children and adolescents — from murmurs picked up at routine check-ups to congenital heart concerns.
Paediatric cardiology focuses on the diagnosis and management of heart conditions in infants, children and adolescents, ranging from innocent heart murmurs to congenital heart defects present from birth.
A consultation typically starts with a detailed birth and growth history, family history, and a physical examination. Because children's hearts and normal heart sounds differ from adults', paediatric cardiac assessment requires specific expertise to tell a harmless murmur apart from one that needs further evaluation.
Where needed, further evaluation such as an ECG or referral for an echocardiogram can be arranged, so parents get clarity on their child's heart health without unnecessary worry or delay.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Typically 20–30 minutes, depending on the child's age and cooperation |
| Preparation | Bring the child's birth records, vaccination card and any previous heart-related reports |
| What Happens | History taking, growth and developmental review, physical examination and heart auscultation, with further tests arranged if indicated |
| Who It's For | Infants and children with a heart murmur, breathlessness, poor weight gain, bluish discoloration, or a family history of congenital heart disease |
Paediatric cardiology evaluation is recommended when a child shows possible signs of a heart condition or when a routine check-up detects something that needs a closer look.
Signs to Watch For
| Other Reasons for Referral
|
Child-Focused AssessmentExamination approaches suited to infants and children, distinguishing innocent murmurs from those needing further evaluation. | Parent CommunicationFindings and next steps are explained clearly to parents, with reassurance given where appropriate and honest guidance when further testing is needed. | |
Coordinated CareClose coordination with paediatrics for overall child health alongside cardiac evaluation. | Onward ReferralWhere a congenital heart condition needs specialised paediatric cardiac intervention, referral into the wider Apollo network is arranged. | |
Not necessarily. Many murmurs in children are 'innocent' — harmless sounds related to normal blood flow — and are very common. A paediatric cardiology evaluation helps confirm this or identify if further evaluation is needed.
Paediatric cardiology evaluation can be done at any age, from newborns to adolescents. The approach and examination are adapted to the child's age.
No fasting is required for a standard consultation and examination. If any further tests are advised, you will be told separately whether fasting applies.
Not always. Some congenital heart conditions are detected soon after birth, while others — especially milder ones — may only become apparent later through a murmur, symptoms, or growth concerns noticed during childhood.
Get expert, child-focused heart evaluation for your infant or child at Apollo Clinic, Shyamnagar.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general and is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified cardiologist. Test results should always be interpreted by a doctor in the context of your full clinical picture. All procedures are performed after clinical assessment and informed consent.
