Pediatric cardiology in India focuses on diagnosing and treating heart disorders in fetuses, newborns, children, adolescents, and young adults. These conditions may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing later). India offers world-class pediatric cardiology treatments with highly skilled specialists, advanced technology, and affordable care, making it a preferred destination for both local and international patients.

What is Pediatric Cardiology?

Pediatric cardiology deals with a broad spectrum of heart conditions affecting children, including congenital heart defects, cardiac arrhythmias, inflammatory heart diseases like Kawasaki disease, and rheumatic heart disease. Pediatric cardiologists are trained to perform diagnostic tests, medical management, catheter-based procedures, and surgeries to ensure optimal heart health in children.

Causes of Pediatric Heart Disorders

Heart problems in children can result from:

• Congenital Causes: Structural heart defects such as ASD, VSD, Tetralogy of Fallot, or PDA

• Genetic Factors: Family history of heart disease

• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections leading to acquired heart problems like endocarditis

• Inflammatory Diseases: Kawasaki disease or rheumatic fever causing heart damage

• Electrical System Abnormalities: Arrhythmias due to irregular heart conduction

Symptoms Indicating Pediatric Heart Problems

Early detection is key. Parents should watch for:

• Rapid or difficult breathing

• Blue lips, nails, or skin (cyanosis)

• Poor weight gain or slow growth

• Fatigue during feeding or play

• Frequent chest infections

• Fainting or dizziness

• Swelling in legs, abdomen, or around the eyes

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

Common Conditions Treated by Pediatric Cardiologists

• Congenital Heart Defects (CHD): ASD, VSD, Tetralogy of Fallot, PDA

• Cyanotic Heart Diseases: Reduced oxygen levels causing blue skin

• Valve Disorders: Narrowed or leaking valves

• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms

• Cardiomyopathy: Weakening or thickening of heart muscles

• Rheumatic Heart Disease

• Heart Failure in Children

• Post-Surgical Heart Complications

Types of Pediatric Cardiology Procedures and Specialized Treatments

In Pediatric Cardiology, the following procedures and treatments are commonly used to manage heart conditions in children:

• Fontan Procedure: A complex surgery for children with a single functional ventricle, redirecting blood flow to improve oxygenation.

• Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA): Surgical repair or balloon angioplasty to correct a congenital narrowing of the aorta.

• Arrhythmias: Management of abnormal heart rhythms through medication, pacemakers, or ablation procedures.

• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): Corrective open-heart surgery to address four congenital heart defects simultaneously.

• Fetal Cardiology: Diagnosis and monitoring of heart conditions in unborn babies through prenatal imaging and care planning.

• Heart Surgery: General term for surgical interventions addressing congenital or acquired heart defects in children.

• Patent Ductus Arteriosus Device Closure: Minimally invasive procedure to close a blood vessel that remains open after birth.

• ASD Closure Surgery: Surgical or device-based closure of an atrial septal defect, a hole between the heart’s upper chambers.

• Arterial Switch Operation: A procedure to correct transposition of the great arteries, restoring normal blood flow in newborns.

• Atrioventricular Canal Defect: Surgery to correct congenital defects affecting heart valves and chambers.

• Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC): Surgical correction of rare defects where pulmonary veins connect incorrectly.

• Right Heart Catheterization: A diagnostic procedure to measure pressures and oxygen levels in the right heart, guiding treatment decisions.

These procedures demonstrate the scope of pediatric cardiology, encompassing diagnosis, monitoring, minimally invasive interventions, and complex surgical corrections to ensure children with heart conditions receive specialized, life-saving care.

Why Choose India for Pediatric Cardiology

India is a top choice for pediatric cardiology due to:

• Highly skilled pediatric cardiologists trained internationally

• World-class hospitals with dedicated pediatric cardiac units

• Latest technology such as 3D echocardiography, robotic surgery, and ECMO

• Affordable treatment compared to the US, UK, or Europe

• High success rates in complex congenital heart surgeries

• Multidisciplinary care teams including surgeons, anesthetists, and intensivists

• Assistance for international patients with travel, stay, and post-treatment support

Cost of Pediatric Cardiology Treatments in India

• Consultation & Basic Tests: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000

• Echocardiography (ECHO): ₹2,000 – ₹7,000

• Cardiac Catheterization: ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000

• Device Closure (ASD/VSD/PDA): ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000

• Balloon Valvotomy: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000

• Open-Heart Surgery (CHD Repair): ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000

• Pacemaker Implantation: ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,50,000

• Heart Transplant (Rare Cases): ₹20,00,000 – ₹35,00,000

Costs may vary depending on hospital, procedure complexity, and patient condition.

Conclusion

Pediatric cardiology in India provides advanced, affordable, and comprehensive care for children with congenital or acquired heart disorders. From device closures, balloon valvotomy, pacemaker implantation, open-heart surgery, and Fontan or Arterial Switch operations to fetal heart care, India delivers high-quality treatment with excellent outcomes. Partnering with EdhaCare ensures access to expert pediatric cardiologists, modern hospitals, and seamless support throughout the treatment journey.