Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon Blog

May 29, 2021

THE COVID VACCINE AND THE HEART

You may have heard people talking about the COVID vaccine and the heart. We have had many families reach out to us with questions. Let’s take the opportunity answer some of those questions:
October 7, 2020

Familial Hyperlipidemia

Familial hyperlipidemia (FH) is a medical condition caused by a genetic mutation that causes high cholesterol.
May 12, 2020

Meet Dr. Margie “Niki” Tucker

Dr. Margie “Niki” Tucker joined the Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon in the summer of 2020.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and received […]
May 11, 2020

5 Common Misconceptions about Heart Murmurs

5 Common Misconceptions about Heart Murmurs 1. A murmur is a hole in the heart. FACT: A murmur is NOT a hole; a murmur is an […]
May 11, 2020

How to Stop a Panic Attack: The Definitive Guide [2020]

November 11, 2018 In Stress & Anxiety Shared from https://nickwignall.com/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack/ Few things in life are as terrifying as a full-blown panic attack. I’ve only had a panic attack […]
August 28, 2019

Powerful New Infant Cardiac Tool

Randall Children’s Hospital has powerful new tool for infants with dangerous heart defect The disc-shaped wire mesh device is smaller than a pea and looks something […]
July 16, 2019

Can Kids And Teens Get Heart Disease Or Have Heart Attacks?

Many people probably tend to think of heart disease and heart attacks as older people’s ailments. We think they’re the kinds of things that build up […]
July 16, 2019

Advances In Neonatal Care And Neonatal Nursing

On a recent Friday, Google Doodle honored René Favaloro, an Argentinian surgeon who invented the coronary artery bypass procedure. Favaloro’s breakthrough came in May 1967 at […]
February 8, 2019

Best Diet for Heart Health

We’ve written before on heart-healthy practices for children; included in that blog post: rest, appropriate levels of physical activity, and, of course, a heart-healthy diet. It’s […]
December 17, 2018

Pediatric ECG Lead Placement

Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon (PCCO) has been at the forefront of medical care for children and adults with congenital heart disease since first opening its […]
November 21, 2018

After Hours Emergency

Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon 503-280-3418 300 N. Graham Street, #250 Portland, OR 97227 In case of an emergency after hours or on weekends, please call […]
October 1, 2018

An Oregon pediatric cardiology program that works for you: PCCO

For more than three decades, the Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon (PCCO) has been pioneering care for children with congenital heart disease. Based at Randall Children’s […]
August 24, 2018

Heart Healthy Practices for Children

Many parents no doubt ask themselves what they can do to ensure their child lives a long, happy and healthy life. And if you’re the parent […]
February 28, 2018

Children’s Heart Center at Randall Children’s Hospital

The pediatric cardiology center at Randall Children’s Hospital boasts a state-of-the-art medical facility with a full team of cardiology specialists who are focused on providing their […]
February 12, 2018

What Is Pediatric Arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is when a heart beats irregularly. The condition can cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly or unevenly. If your child’s doctor […]
February 12, 2018

Pediatric Cardiologist First Visit and How to Prepare

New patients come to us when a primary care physician notices something that needs evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist. Your child’s doctor may have heard a […]
February 12, 2018

Study: Energy drinks dangerous for those with heart conditions

With more than 500 different products on the market, energy drinks are an increasingly popular choice for teens and young adults. However, researchers say energy drinks […]
February 12, 2018

What is an echocardiogram?

  When you’ve been told there’s something abnormal with your child’s heart, just about the only thing you’re thinking about is finding out the cause of […]
February 12, 2018

6 Things to Know About Your Child’s Pacemaker

A pediatric cardiologist might recommend a pacemaker if your child has a heart defect that prevents their heart from beating normally. Doctors at Pediatric Cardiology Center […]
February 12, 2018

Help Kids Overcome Their Fear of Doctor Visits

No matter how kind and welcoming a doctor’s office is, it can be a pretty scary place for your little ones. Some children associate a medical […]
February 12, 2018

Using 3D-printed hearts as surgical practice

The most common birth defects in the world are unfortunately some of the most dangerous to babies. Congenital heart defects affect about 40,000 babies in the […]
January 30, 2018

What is congenital heart disease?

Congenital heart disease is found in 8 out of every 1,000 newborn babies every year, and close to one million adults live with mild to severe […]
September 27, 2017

What causes pediatric chest pain?

Chest pain is very common in children and teenagers.  In 94-99% of cases there is no underlying disease causing it and there is nothing wrong with […]
September 15, 2017

What is Orthostatic Hypotension?

  Orthostatic hypotension is also known his postural hypotension and commonly known as a “head rush”.  It is a situation that is quite common in both […]
July 6, 2017

What is Vasovagal Syncope?

Vasovagal syncope or neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is caused by a drop in blood pressure, quickly followed by faster then slower heart rate resulting in poor blood […]
May 16, 2017

What is a Heart Murmur?

If you have heard the doctor say the words “heart murmur”, you might wonder what that means exactly. 
April 10, 2017

The Interpretation of the ECG Interpretation

The physician receiving ECG results may question what these mean in some instances, what is significant and finally, what to do with the results.  This is […]
November 28, 2016

Kids’ Guide to Heart Healthy Eating

People need to eat a healthy diet. This is true for everyone, including kids, adults and those with congenital heart disease. Children who consume excess calories […]
October 21, 2016

Can Children With Heart Disease Play Sports?

Most children with heart disease can play sports. Staying active and playing on a team can enhance a child’s physical fitness, confidence and social development. Sports […]
October 14, 2016

How to Choose a Pediatric Cardiologist

Heart defects are common in newborns. About eight out of 1,000 babies born in the U.S. have a congenital heart defect. Parents often learn of the […]
October 14, 2016

What Is Cardiac Catheterization?

When your child visits a pediatric cardiologist you’ll likely hear a lot of medical terms for the first time. Coping with so much new information can […]
October 5, 2016

How Is ASD Treated?

Some children are born with a hole in their heart called atrial septal defect. ASD can be repaired, though not all children require treatment. Treatments vary […]
July 27, 2016

PCCO Cardiologist First to Perform Oregon SAPIEN XT Valve Replacement

James Kyser is the first surgeon in Oregon to perform on a child the Edwards SAPIEN XT transcatheter heart valve procedure. Dr. Kyser is a cardiologist […]
July 8, 2016

What is “Intraventricular Conduction Delay” or “Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block”?

Families and physicians often wonder what the terms“intraventricular conduction delay” (IVCD) or “incomplete right bundle branch block” (IRBBB) or “rsR’” on an electrocardiogram mean and what […]
April 13, 2016

How Are Children’s Heart Defects Diagnosed?

Serious congenital heart defects in infants are often diagnosed during pregnancy or soon after birth. Doctors may find a minor defect later in a child’s life, […]
March 24, 2016

What Is a Cardiac MRI?

Has your doctor recommended a cardiac MRI for you or your child? An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a diagnostic tool used in various disciplines […]
March 24, 2016

How to Prepare a Child For Heart Surgery

Preparing your child for heart surgery requires open communication and a loving and attentive ear. The idea of having surgery can be a scary time for […]
March 24, 2016

Types of Heart Defects in Children and How They’re Diagnosed

The most common types of birth defects involve the heart. In the U.S., more than 35,000 babies greet the world afflicted by congenital heart defects, affecting […]
March 2, 2015

An Overview of PA/VSD

by Peter Chang, D.O. Pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD) is the most severe form of tetralogy of Fallot. A large ventricular septal defect […]
October 28, 2014

Merry Heart Camp

The Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon is proud to announce that we will be co-sponsoring a children’s heart camp in cooperation with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital called […]
September 23, 2014

Medtronic Melody Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve

by James P. Kyser, M.D. The Medtronic Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve is the first and only FDA approved catheter-placed heart valve in pediatrics. We have been using […]
April 28, 2014

Overview of Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs are very common in children. It is an extra sound that your doctor hears while examining your child. Murmurs are produced by the movement […]
February 5, 2014

Turner Syndrome and the Heart

Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause serious heart problems. It affects only girls and women because it is caused by a missing or […]
January 3, 2014

Kawasaki Disease: What You Should Know

by Peter Chang, D.O. Kawasaki Disease Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Kawasaki disease was first recognized in Japan, but […]
December 20, 2013

Directed Donor Blood Donation for Your Child’s or Relative’s Upcoming Surgery

What is Directed Donor Blood Donation? If an individual requires blood for heart surgery, that blood can be provided from a blood bank using community donors, […]
December 6, 2013

Overview of POTS Syndrome

This handout is written by Dr. Marc Le Gras. The intent of this handout is to enhance the information provided to you at the consultation and […]
December 6, 2013

Vasovagal Syncope or Neurocardiogenic NCS

What is vasovagal syncope or neurocardiogenic syncope? Vasovagal syncope or neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is caused by a drop in blood pressure, quickly followed by faster then […]
November 25, 2013

Screenings for Critical Congenital Heart Defects

by James P Kyser, M.D. Critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) are serious structural heart defects that occur in a very small number of newborns (the CDC […]
November 22, 2013

Exercise is Safe for Most Children with Heart Disease

by Andrew W. Hoyer, M.D. Most children with congenital heart disease (CHD) will go on to lead normal healthy lives. Often, the condition is well-managed or […]
September 30, 2013

A Review of Fetal Echocardiography

by Douglas H. King, M.D. One of the fastest growing areas within the discipline of pediatric cardiology is the study of fetal echocardiography. This particular discipline […]
June 3, 2013

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden Cardiac Death in a young person is a tragic and devastating event.  There are about 3,000 such deaths in the US every year, most of […]
May 1, 2013

Marfan syndrome

Do you know the signs of Marfan syndrome? It is a connective tissue disorder that can involve many parts of the body, including the heart.  If […]
April 20, 2013

Down syndrome and heart disease

Do children with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) need cardiology evaluation and what are some of the cardiac problems they may encounter? Children with Down syndrome can […]
April 6, 2013

Learn about our Single Ventricle Monitoring Program

I would like to let you know that we have just started our Single Ventricle Monitoring Program.  We are excited to get this rolling because we […]

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