41^st World Cardiology Conference

Pediatric Cardiology

Pediatric Cardiology is a specialized branch of cardiology focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing heart conditions in fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents. Unlike adult cardiology, which often deals with acquired heart disease, pediatric cardiology primarily addresses congenital heart defects (CHDs)—structural abnormalities of the heart present at birth—as well as rhythm disorders, cardiomyopathies, and other pediatric-specific cardiovascular issues. This field plays a vital role in ensuring healthy heart development and function from the earliest stages of life.Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect and range from simple conditions like small atrial septal defects (ASDs) or ventricular septal defects (VSDs) to complex anomalies such as tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Many of these conditions require early diagnosis, which can often be achieved through fetal echocardiography—an imaging technique used during pregnancy to assess the developing heart. Early detection allows for planned delivery and immediate care after birth, improving outcomes significantly. Echocardiography remains the cornerstone diagnostic tool in pediatric cardiology. It is safe, non-invasive, and highly effective in visualizing the structure and function of the heart in children. Other diagnostic modalities include electrocardiography (ECG), cardiac MRI, CT angiography, and cardiac catheterization, which is sometimes both diagnostic and therapeutic.