Baby’s First Visit

Babies are sent here by their pediatricians or family physicians because he or she listened to the baby’s chest and heard a noise, otherwise known as a murmur. While most heart murmurs turn out to be innocent, some may indicate a heart problem. That is why it is a good idea to have your baby further evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist.

After check-in, a medical assistant will bring you and your baby to our back office where the baby will be weighed and measured. After these measurements are taken, the medical assistant will escort you and your baby to the exam room where the physician will talk with you about your baby and listen to your baby’s heart.

The physician may order a test during the visit to be completed here at Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon and the results to be reviewed before you leave the office. These tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): An electrocardiogram checks the electrical impulses of the baby’s heart. This does not hurt and you may hold your child during the exam. Stickers are placed on the arms, legs and chest and then attached to small clips. It is best if no lotion or oil is put on the baby the day of the appointment as this may prevent the stickers from adhering to the baby.

• Echocardiogram (echo): This test converts sound waves from the heart into digital images – much like the ultrasound an expectant mother would endure during pregnancy. This test is done here in our office and may take up to 20 or 30 minutes. You may be enlisted to assist in keeping your baby still as we need the clearest images possible for the best results.

Upon completion of the test the physician will sit down with you to discuss the results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.