The
Pediatric Coronary Artery Clinic within the Heart Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans is one
of only a few pediatric coronary programs in the U.S. and the only program
of its kind in the Southeast. To ensure we provide high quality care for
infants, children and adolescents, our program is comprised of knowledgeable
experts representing many different specialty areas at the Heart Center.
Coronary artery disease is a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries,
which supply blood to the heart. Patients can either be born with a coronary
anomaly (congenital) or acquire it later in life, often from a disease,
virus or bacteria. Coronary artery disease limits blood flow to the heart
muscle, which can lead to potentially serious heart problems and other
complications if the condition is not treated.
Conditions we treat
The Pediatric Coronary Artery Clinic provides special expertise in the
diagnosis and management of pediatric coronary artery disease. Specific
conditions that we treat include Kawasaki Disease (an inflammatory condition
of the blood vessels that can cause damage to the coronary arteries) and
congenital problems of the coronary arteries such as abnormal origins
or courses of the arteries.
Our team consists of specialists in
pediatric cardiology, preventive cardiology,
pediatric cardiovascular surgery and
adult congenital heart disease. Depending on your child’s treatment plan, the care team may also
include a psychologist, nurse practitioner and physical therapist for
cardiac rehabilitation. In addition to coronary artery disease management,
we have a preventive cardiology team that helps manage the risk factors
of heart disease in children with a family history of cardiac disease,
as well as provide educational support for patients and their families
to help improve their overall heart health.
What to expect
When patients come to our clinic, appointments will consist of a comprehensive
evaluation, including a thorough medical history and physical examination.
In many instances, the visit will include stress tests and imaging with
a CT scan, echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram. Our team will carefully
review the information to create a detailed and comprehensive management
plan personalized for your child.
As part of your child’s treatment plan, your child may also be referred
to a psychologist on our cardiac team. Thinking about heart health and
its role in daily activities and life overall can create stress and uncertainty.
In addition, patients with coronary heart disease and other heart conditions
have a high rate of developing mental health concerns such as depression
and anxiety. Our psychologist will work with your child to help normalize
these stressors and address any mental health concerns that arise.
Children with coronary artery disease may need continued monitoring to
evaluate their condition and ensure their treatment is going as planned.
Even after treatments or surgery, problems can occur. We recommend that
our patients schedule regular follow-up visits with their pediatric cardiologist.
When your child reaches the age of 18, they can transition to our
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program.
Our pediatric coronary artery team
We are actively involved in research and innovative therapies in the diagnosis,
treatment and long-term management of congenital and acquired coronary
diseases. By bringing together experts from different specialties at our
Heart Center, our priority is to ensure the best care and outcomes for
our patients.
Cardiology, Pediatric CardiologyView Profile
