Expert care for every heartbeat

Pediatric cardiology is a medical specialty dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of heart conditions in children, from before birth through young adulthood. This includes congenital heart defects (present at birth), rhythm disorders, and other cardiovascular conditions that develop over time. Pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons specialize in a range of care, from managing minor conditions to overseeing complex heart surgeries.

Pediatric cardiologists specialize in managing heart conditions in children and providing long-term heart health care. Your child may see a pediatric cardiologist for conditions, such as congenital heart defects, heart murmurs, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and high blood pressure.

Consider seeing a pediatric cardiologist if your child has symptoms like rapid breathing, abnormal heart rate (fast or slow), abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), bluish skin tone, or fainting, as these may signal a heart issue. Newborns diagnosed with a heart defect or children with a family history of heart disease should consult a pediatric cardiologist.

Cardiologists diagnose and manage heart conditions using non-surgical treatments like medications, diagnostic tests, and lifestyle recommendations. Cardiac surgeons perform heart surgeries, such as valve repairs or correcting congenital defects. At CHLA’s Heart Institute, everyone works together to provide comprehensive care tailored to each child’s needs.

The Minima stent is a cardiac stent designed specifically for newborns, infants, and young children with conditions like coarctation of the aorta or pulmonary artery stenosis. FDA Approved in 2024, the stent is the first of its kind that can be expanded as a child grows – all the way to adult size.

This minimally invasive option, performed via cardiac catheterization, allows most patients to return home the day after the procedure. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles was the first in the world to implant this innovative device.

Surgical and catheterization referrals are assessed within 24 hours and are often scheduled the same week. Cardiology referrals are triaged and prioritized based on urgency. We strive to see every child as promptly as possible.

Many insurance companies require a pre-authorization or referral for your child to be seen by a specialist. If your family's plan requires this, you should make sure that authorizations or referrals are taken care of before you receive services at CHLA. This process will be different depending on the type of health insurance coverage your family has.

If your family is insured through a Commercial Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), you do not need an authorization from your child’s doctor, but we may need a referral packet to determine the medical urgency and appropriate physician for your child.

CHLA accepts a wide range of insurance plans. Please visit our website or contact our office at 323-361-2461 directly for the most up-to-date list of accepted insurance providers.

The Heart Institute conducts more than 100 annual research initiatives and clinical trials, providing your child access to cutting-edge therapies. To find out which clinical trials are currently open, please call 323-361-2461.

Choosing a research hospital like CHLA with access to a large number of clinical trials ensures that your child receives the most innovative and promising treatments available, often before they are widely accessible. Our participation in more than 250 clinical trials allows us to offer the latest therapies that may not be available elsewhere. Learn more in our article: Why Clinical Trials Matter.

Yes, long-term housing assistance is available through the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House. It’s close proximity to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles allows many of our families to stay nearby during treatment. Visit the Ronald McDonald House website for more information and availability.