
Baby’s First Visit
August 16, 2012
Adolescent’s First Visit
August 16, 2012Young Child’s First Visit
Welcome to the Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon! We’ve been caring for children and adults with congenital heart disease since 1986. Our pediatric heart program has pioneered several advances in the treatment of congenital heart disease. When you visit with us, you can rest assured that your child is in the absolute best hands.
Doctor Referrals
If you’ve been referred to the Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon after visiting with your child’s pediatrician or your family doctor, that means your primary care provider has determined that your child requires additional evaluation.
Here’s a brief list of just some of the reasons why your doctor may have referred you or your child to PCCO:
♥ heart murmurs
♥ syncope (loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood pressure)
♥ chest pains
♥ test results (for example, an EKG or an echocardiogram) require further analysis and/or evaluation
♥ clearance for participation in a sport
♥ family history of congenital heart disease
Your physician has likely ordered tests to be performed by the staff at PCCO; we’ll be sure to go over those test results with you so that you have all the information you need to have additional conversations with your doctor about care.
Heart Tests
Some of the tests your doctor may have ordered include:
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): This test monitors electrical impulses in the child’s heart. It’s a simple procedure, and it usually takes very little time to perform. It won’t hurt your child at all, and you can even have the child sit on your lap while we perform the EKG.
Here’s how we perform an EKG. Stickers are placed on your child’s arms, legs, and chest. These are then attached to small clips. (Please note: It is best if no lotion has been applied to the child’s body on the day of the appointment; this can make it difficult to get the stickers to adhere to the skin.)
Echocardiogram (or echo): This test converts the heart’s sound waves into digital images. The technology is similar to an ultrasound, which most if not all expectant mothers are quite familiar with.
The test is done right here in our office and shouldn’t take more than 20 or 30 minutes. We may request your assistance to keep your child still so that we can get the clearest images possible.
Afterward, the doctor will discuss the results with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have.