Pediatric Cardiology in Turkey ? Advanced Heart Care for Children

Introduction

A child?s heart is delicate, and its anatomy and physiology differ significantly from adults. That?s why Pediatric Cardiology is a dedicated medical specialty focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of congenital and acquired heart diseases in infants, children, adolescents, and even adults with congenital heart conditions.

At SkyUp Health, we collaborate with leading pediatric cardiologists and internationally accredited hospitals in Turkey, where the latest imaging technologies and minimally invasive treatments ensure safe, accurate, and child-centered care.

What Does Pediatric Cardiology Cover?

The Pediatric Cardiology department provides care across a wide spectrum, including:

• Congenital heart diseases (present from birth)
  
  
• Acquired cardiovascular diseases (develop later in childhood)
  
  
• Heart failure in infants and children
  
  
• Fetal cardiology ? diagnosing heart defects before birth with fetal echocardiography
  
  
• Arrhythmias and conduction disorders diagnosed through ECG, exercise tests, and 24-hour Holter monitoring
  
  
• Symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, fainting, or heart murmurs in children and adolescents
  
  

Congenital Heart Diseases

Congenital heart defects are among the most common birth anomalies. Roughly 8 out of 1,000 newborns are born with some form of congenital heart disease in Turkey, meaning 10,000?15,000 babies every year.

Modern diagnostic tools, such as fetal echocardiography between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy, allow early detection before birth. This means treatment planning can begin immediately after delivery, improving survival and long-term health outcomes.

Symptoms of congenital heart disease in children:

• Shortness of breath and fatigue
  
  
• Poor growth and underdeveloped muscles
  
  
• Chest pain and fainting
  
  
• Frequent pneumonia or respiratory infections
  
  
• Heart murmur detected by a doctor
  
  
• Dizziness or weakness
  
  

Common congenital heart conditions include:

• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): a hole in the wall between the heart chambers
  
  
• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): a hole between the atria
  
  
• Valve anomalies: narrowing or leakage of the heart valves
  
  
• Coronary vessel anomalies
  
  
• Malformed ventricles or atria
  
  

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic diseases are often seen in children 5?15 years old, usually developing 2?3 weeks after an untreated throat infection. Known as acute rheumatic fever, this condition can cause joint pain, fever, swelling, and, most importantly, damage to the heart valves.

• Early treatment with antibiotics, penicillin, or cortisone can stop the progression.
  
  
• If untreated, valve disease may become permanent, requiring surgical correction later in life.
  
  
• Parents are strongly advised to take throat infections seriously and seek medical evaluation for their children.
  
  

Rhythm and Conduction Disorders (Arrhythmias)

Arrhythmias in children occur when the heart beats too slow, too fast, or irregularly. Causes include:

• Post-cardiac surgery complications
  
  
• Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
  
  
• Severe anemia
  
  
• Low blood sugar
  
  
• Infections affecting the heart
  
  
• Genetic predisposition
  
  
• Excessive caffeine or drug use in adolescents
  
  

Symptoms to watch for:

• Palpitations
  
  
• Dizziness or fainting
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Poor exercise tolerance
  
  

Advanced diagnostics like 24-hour Holter monitoring, electrophysiological testing, and exercise stress tests are used to confirm arrhythmias and guide treatment.

Cutting-Edge Pediatric Cardiology in Turkey

Turkey?s hospitals are equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, including:

• 3D Echocardiography ; Fetal Echocardiography for early detection
  
  
• Cardiac MRI ; CT angiography for precise structural imaging
  
  
• Minimally invasive catheter-based interventions instead of open surgery (e.g., device closure of VSD/ASD, balloon angioplasty for valve narrowing)
  
  
• Pediatric electrophysiology labs for arrhythmia management
  
  
• Hybrid cardiac operating rooms combining surgery and interventional cardiology in one setting
  
  

These advancements mean shorter recovery times, less trauma, and higher safety standards for children.

Why Choose Pediatric Cardiology in Turkey with SkyUp Health?

• Internationally trained pediatric cardiologists with decades of experience
  
  
• Child-friendly hospitals designed to reduce stress and anxiety for children and parents
  
  
• Comprehensive care from diagnosis to surgery and rehabilitation
  
  
• Affordable treatments compared to Europe and the US (up to 70% cost savings)
  
  
• Complete medical tourism packages: including flights, accommodation, transfers, and translation services
  
  
• High success rates thanks to advanced technology and multidisciplinary teamwork
  
  

Conclusion

Children with heart problems need specialized, compassionate, and technologically advanced care. Whether it?s a congenital heart defect, rheumatic fever, or a rhythm disorder, early diagnosis and modern treatment can dramatically improve quality of life.

With world-class pediatric cardiology units, advanced imaging technologies, minimally invasive interventions, and internationally recognized doctors, Turkey has become one of the most trusted destinations for children?s heart care.

At SkyUp Health, we stand by your family at every step ? from diagnosis to recovery ? ensuring your child receives the best possible treatment in safe and supportive hands.

? Healthy hearts, happy children ? SkyUp Health is here for you.