Pediatric cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in children. Your child may need to see one if they were born with congenital heart disease or develop a heart condition after birth. Pediatric cardiologists create treatment plans and work with other healthcare providers to give your child the care they need.
Pediatric cardiologists are medical doctors with special training in diagnosing and treating heart conditions and symptoms in babies and children. Some pediatric cardiologists will also work with adults over age 18 who were born with congenital heart disease and need long-term care.
Pediatric cardiologists identify and manage a wide range of heart conditions in children. They understand how a heart condition might affect other aspects of your child’s health. They also know that heart conditions can happen due to issues elsewhere in your child’s body or certain genetic syndromes. For example, Turner syndrome can raise your child’s risk of heart and blood vessel problems.
Pediatric cardiologists are prepared to understand what’s causing your child’s symptoms. They’ll create a treatment plan and be with you every step of the way.
They’re also committed to supporting your child’s health as they grow. Some children may continue to see their pediatric cardiologist beyond age 18. That’s because pediatric cardiologists know how heart problems present at birth might affect an adult down the road. Plus, they become experts in your child’s unique medical history and needs. There are also adult cardiologists who specialize in caring for adults who were born with congenital heart disease.
Pediatric cardiologists specialize in the types of heart issues that affect babies at birth or early in life. Their areas of expertise are different than those of cardiologists, who typically manage heart disease in adults over age 18.
For example, cardiologists manage conditions that occur later in life (acquired conditions). A common example is coronary artery disease (CAD). On the other hand, pediatric cardiologists manage issues that are present at birth. Examples include atrial and ventricular septal defects, or hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). They also treat conditions children can develop after birth, like problems with their heart rhythm or heart muscle.
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Pediatric cardiologists diagnose and manage heart conditions in:
Here are some things you can expect your pediatric cardiologist to do:
Your pediatric cardiologist is an expert in your child’s heart. But they also know that heart issues can affect many aspects of your child’s life. So, they recognize that your child may need care from many different specialists. Pediatric cardiologists work with these other providers to make sure your child gets the care they need.
For example, your child’s pediatric cardiologist might exchange knowledge and resources with:
Pediatric cardiologists work in a variety of settings, including:
Some pediatric cardiologists spend most of their time working directly with children and their families. Others spend some time doing research or teaching. Their balance of responsibilities depends on their specific job and its expectations.
Pediatric cardiologists are prepared to diagnose and treat a range of problems that can affect your child’s heart. Some examples include:
Pediatric cardiologists often see children with symptoms that may be related to the heart, including:
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You may be reading about pediatric cardiologists because you’re interested in becoming one. If that’s the case, your life experiences may have inspired you to pursue this path. Or, maybe you’re intrigued by the science. No matter the reason, becoming a pediatric cardiologist is a meaningful life goal. You can help many children and their families and give them hope.
First, though, you need many years of school and rigorous training. You’ll need to complete:
During your fellowship, you may choose a focus area, like:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Pediatric cardiologists are with your family during the scariest, as well as the happiest, moments of your lives. They might give you the hardest news you have to hear, but they’ll also be there to celebrate milestones and triumphs.
When your child has a heart condition, you might feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Your pediatric cardiologist is right there next to you for the ups and the downs. They’ll use their knowledge and experience to give your child the best possible care and help you understand what comes next.
Last reviewed on 08/14/2023.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy