Healing the Youngest Hearts
About 40,000 children are born with heart disease each year. Children with congenital or acquired heart disease may have abnormal blood flow, small holes in the heart or a narrowing of the aorta. As you feel that small heartbeat, take comfort in the fact that kids with heart disease can grow up happy and healthy.
You can learn about your child’s heart health even before birth. Virtua’s maternal-fetal medicine specialists have technology, such as high-resolution ultrasound and genetic tests available to diagnose heart disease during pregnancy. If a heart condition is detected in your child, Virtua’s Perinatal Assessment Team, comprised of professionals from Virtua and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), will develop a detailed treatment plan with you. Emotional support and guidance for parents is provided throughout your child’s treatment.
If your child needs to stay at a hospital, Virtua has newborn and pediatric intensive care units at Virtua Voorhees. Other heart-health related services include a medically based weight management program for children ages 8 to 17 and child-life specialists who help children and families manage such illnesses.
For more information, call 1-888-VIRTUA-3 (1-888-847-8823).
