We offer the following comprehensive tests and procedures. When warranted, we use hospital outpatient or inpatient service at Texas Children’s for more sophisticated tests and procedures.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small, portable device that records an individual’s blood pressure at variable intervals over a 24-to-48-hour period. Our ambulatory blood pressure monitors allow us to thoroughly assess and treat hypertension.
Arrhythmia diagnosis and management
Arrhythmia is an electrical disturbance of the heart. Common arrhythmias in pediatric patients include premature ventricular or atrial contractions, as well as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Cardiac event monitoring
A cardiac event monitor is a small, portable device that can be used to record a patient’s heart rhythm during symptoms such as palpitations or chest pain. Typically, cardiac event monitoring is used in situations where a patient's symptoms may be relatively infrequent. Our office generally provides cardiac event monitoring for at least one month.
Cardiovascular risk education
Risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and premature coronary artery disease include hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cigarette smoking and a family history of early heart disease. We screen for risk factors, as well as provide counseling for those patients in whom an increased risk is identified.
Cholesterol screening and education
An elevated cholesterol or triglyceride level can be a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis later in life. More and more frequently, elevated lipid levels are being identified in children and teenagers.
Congenital heart disease diagnosis/management
Some of the more complex forms of heart disease that we treat include hypoplastic left heart syndrome, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary valve atresia, pulmonary valve stenosis, aortic valve stenosis, atrioventricular canal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, Ebstein’s anomaly, 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).
We will provide informative and compassionate counseling for you and your family. When necessary, we will arrange for further consultation with a Texas Children’s congenital heart surgeon.
Electrocardiography (ECG)
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.
Holter monitoring
A Holter monitor is a device which records a patient’s heart rhythm for a 24-hour period of time. It is typically used to detect heart rhythm disturbances which may not be picked up by an ECG.
Hypertension management
Hypertension (elevated blood pressure) represents one of several risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease later in life. More and more frequently hypertension is being identified as a problem in young people.
Transthoracic echocardiography
A transthoracic echocardiogram – commonly known as “echo” – is simply an ultrasound of the heart that we use to evaluate for possible structural defects of the heart. A transducer placed on the child's chest allows us to see clear images of the heart’s structure.
An echo is a completely painless procedure that typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. We provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere for your child with televisions and DVD players to ease any stress that your child may experience.
