Ultrasound of the heart, also known as echocardiography, is a non-invasive and painless examination that uses sound waves to obtain detailed images of the structure and function of the heart. This procedure is essential to diagnose and monitor heart conditions in patients of all ages, including children and infants.

In this article, we'll explore when a heart ultrasound is recommended for little ones, why it's important, and how it can help prevent long-term heart problems.

What is a heart ultrasound and when is it recommended?

Heart ultrasound is an imaging test commonly used in the evaluation of the heart in children and infants. The doctor may recommend an ultrasound if congenital heart defects or other heart problems are suspected. This allows detailed observation of the heart's chambers and valves, blood flow, and how the heart pumps blood.

There are several reasons why a child may need a heart ultrasound:

• The presence of a heart murmur

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that the doctor may hear while listening to the baby's heart with a stethoscope. Although many such sounds are harmless, some may indicate problems with the structure of the heart.

• Suspected congenital malformations

Congenital heart malformations occur due to abnormal development of the heart before birth. An ultrasound can detect these defects and help plan treatment.

• Symptoms such as extreme tiredness, difficulty breathing or blue skin (cyanosis)

These symptoms may suggest a heart problem that requires immediate evaluation.

According to guidelines issued by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), echocardiography is an essential method for cardiac evaluation in children and neonates, frequently used to diagnose and monitor congenital and acquired heart disease. Advances in pediatric ultrasound, including the use of Doppler and 3D technologies, have greatly improved the early diagnosis and evaluation of cardiac malformations.

Also, a study on the detection of atrial septal defect in children highlighted the importance of ultrasound in the early detection of cardiac malformations and abnormal blood flow, using ultrasound video technology to effectively identify structural heart problems.

Heart ultrasound: Types

There are several types of ultrasounds used in pediatrics, depending on the symptoms and suspected conditions.

Transthoracic ultrasound is the most common type of cardiac ultrasound. The ultrasound probe is placed on the baby's chest to get clear images of the heart.

Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow in the heart's vessels and can detect problems related to blood circulation. It is essential in cases where the doctor suspects valvular stenosis or regurgitation.

Transesophageal ultrasound is rarely used in children and involves inserting a probe through the esophagus to get clearer images of the heart, especially when transthoracic ultrasound does not provide enough information.

One of the major advantages of these cardiac ultrasounds in children is that they do not expose the patient to radiation compared to other imaging techniques such as X-rays or CT scans. Thus, it is a safe procedure and ideal for frequent use when needed.

When is a baby heart ultrasound necessary?

In newborns and infants, heart assessment is extremely important, as some conditions may be present from the first days of life. Neonatologists or pediatricians may recommend a baby ultrasound when:

• the baby was born prematurely or has a low birth weight, which can increase the risk of heart problems;
• there is a family history of heart disease, which may suggest a genetic predisposition to certain heart conditions;
• the baby has difficulty feeding or is not developing as expected.

The price category of a heart ultrasound for babies and children can vary depending on the clinic where you choose to perform the procedure, but it is important to remember that at CorePrime any patient can benefit from this service at competitive prices. Contact us for details!

The importance of prevention and periodic checks

Prevention plays a vital role in maintaining children's heart health in the long term. Although some heart conditions are congenital and cannot be prevented, regular check-ups and early diagnosis are essential. In some cases, heart ultrasound in babies or children may be recommended even in the absence of symptoms, if the doctor thinks there are risk factors.

An essential aspect is the periodic monitoring of children who have been diagnosed with heart problems, to observe the evolution of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment. Regular heart scans can help doctors adjust the treatment plan, thereby preventing further complications.

In addition, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, adequate physical activity, and avoiding exposure of infants to secondhand smoke can reduce the risk of developing heart disease in childhood and adulthood.

Heart ultrasound is an essential tool in evaluating and monitoring heart health in children and babies. Being a safe, non-invasive and painless procedure, it can provide detailed information about the functioning of the heart, helping to prevent and treat heart conditions in time. If the doctor has recommended a cardiac ultrasound for the child, do not hesitate to perform it, because it can make the difference when it comes to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment.

For appointments and more details about cardiac ultrasounds in children and babies, call CorePrime at +40 743 999 909 or schedule online.

Don't forget to pay special attention to your children's heart health through regular check-ups and adopting a healthy lifestyle. See a specialist if you notice any unusual symptoms or if you have a family history of heart disease. Prevention is the key to a healthy life!