When to see a pediatric cardiologist.

While most children aren’t born with heart problems, they may still experience symptoms during childhood that can be concerning and may warrant seeing a pediatric cardiologist.

Christina Fink, MD, a Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatric cardiologist who treats patients at Concord Township Medical Outpatient Center, Willoughby Hills Family Health Center, and at Hillcrest Medical Offices, shares these concerns to be aware of in children:

• Heart murmur (extra sound in the heart).

• Fainting during physical exercise or activity.

• Heart palpitations (racing or skipping beats).

• Shortness of breath while being active.

• Chest pain.

Chest pain in kids is often related to the growth or irritation of muscle and bone in the chest. Factors that can help determine whether or not chest pains indicate an underlying cardiac problem are the frequency of pain, if pain occurs during exercise and if there is a family history of heart disease. Heart palpitations in children can be attributed to exercise or activity and illness or stress, but can also signify an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart.

Make an appointment with your pediatrician or a pediatric cardiologist if your child exhibits any of these symptoms, or if there is a family history of fainting, structural heart disease and sudden death.

Taking steps to prevent heart disease should begin at a young age. Dr. Fink also sees children and adolescents to help manage elevated cholesterol and other risk factors.

A pediatric cardiologist will conduct a complete evaluation, and may order an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and imaging tests to determine diagnosis and treatment.

To make an appointment with Dr. Fink or another Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatric cardiologist, call 216.445.1010, option 3.

Cleveland Clinic Concord Township Medical Outpatient Center, Willoughby Hills Family Health Center, and Hillcrest Medical Offices