Paediatric cardiology
Paediatric cardiologists are doctors who diagnose and treat children with cardiac (heart) conditions. They work with patients antenatally (before birth), through childhood and into adulthood.
This page provides useful information on the nature of the work, the common procedures/interventions, sub-specialties and other roles that may interest you.

Nature of the work
Paediatric cardiology is concerned with diseases of the heart in the growing and developing individual. As well as expertise in heart disease, paediatric cardiologists also need a thorough grounding in general paediatrics, in order to provide all-round patient care.
Paediatric cardiologists broadly treat congenital heart disease (present at birth), arrhythmias (variations in heartbeat rhythm) and disturbances of circulatory function.
The initial assessment performed by the paediatric cardiologist might start with a physical examination using a stethoscope, after which more detailed investigations may be suggested.
Patients often present with complex diagnostic and medical problems and after the initial assessment the paediatric cardiologist then chooses an optimal management plan. They work closely with a wide range of specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team to assess and treat patients.
Paediatric cardiologists play a vital role in the teaching of medical students, doctors. GPs, nurses and paramedical staff. Most are also involved in research.
Conditions treated
These include:
- cardiovascular [1] collapse in infancy
- cardiac failure in infants and children
- cyanosis in the newborn and beyond (where the skin has a bluish tinge, due to lung or circulatory problems)
- children with heart murmurs [2]
- children and adolescents with chest pain, palpitations, or fainting
- patients with congenital heart disease
- cardiovascular [1] abnormalities in neonatal [3] intensive care [4]
- fetal cardiac abnormalities
- paediatric cardiac transplantation
- assessment of children prior to cardiac surgery
- assessment of children with cardiac disease who are undergoing non-cardiac surgery
- management of critically ill children with cardiac problems
- transposition of the great arteries
Procedures and interventions
These include:
- electrocardiogram (ECG)
- advanced imaging – CT/MRI [5]
- diagnostic and therapeutic catheterisation
- exercise testing
- cardiac event recording
- chest x-ray
- balloon atrial septostomy – a small hole is created in the upper two chambers of the heart to increase oxygen saturation
- paediatric cardiac transplantation
- ultrasound [6] scans of the heart
Associated sub-specialties
All consultant paediatric cardiologists complete sub-specialist training in one of the following areas:
- adult congenital heart disease
- fetal cardiology
- advanced imaging (CT/MRI [5])
- diagnostic and therapeutic catheterisation
- invasive electrophysiology and pacing in children and adults with congenial heart disease
- pulmonary hypotension
- heart failure and cardiac transplantation
- advanced echocardiography
Want to learn more?
Find out more about:
- the working life [7] of someone in paediatric cardiology
- the entry requirements [8] and training and development [9]
Other roles that may interest you
- Cardiology [34]
- General practice (GP) [35]
- Paediatrics [36]
- Paediatric surgery [37]