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Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (DSE, Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography, Dobutamine Stress Echo) Procedure Overview What is a dobutamine stress echocardiogram? A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure that may be used when a physician wants to assess the heart muscle under stress. If exercise on a treadmill is not an option (too much stress on the heart) due to a person’s medical condition, a physician may use an intravenous medication called dobutamine. Dobutamine causes the heart...

Echocardiogram (Echocardiography, Echo, Cardiac Ultrasound, Cardiac Ultrasonography, Cardiac Doppler, Transthoracic Echocardiogram, TTE) Procedure Overview What is an echocardiogram? An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, t...

Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG, Resting ECG, Resting EKG) Procedure Overview What is an electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the physician's information and further interpre...

Exercise Echocardiogram (Stress Echocardiogram, Exercise Echocardiography, Exercise Echo) Procedure Overview What is an exercise echocardiogram? An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. An exercise echocardiogram is performed to assess the heart's response to stress or exercise. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer i...

Exercise Electrocardiogram (Exercise ECG, Exercise EKG, Stress Test) Procedure Overview What is an exercise electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the physician's informati...

Holter Monitor (Continuous Electrocardiogram, Continuous ECG, Ambulatory ECG Monitoring) Procedure Overview What is a Holter monitor? The Holter monitor is a type of electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) used to monitor the ECG tracing continuously for a period of 24 hours or longer. A standard or "resting" ECG is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest and abdomen. When the electrodes are connected ...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Heart (MRI Scan of the Heart, Cardiac MRI) Procedure Overview What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. How does MRI work? The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient. This magn...

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Resting (Resting Thallium Scan, Cardiac Nuclear Imaging, Cardiolite® Scan, Sestamibi Scan) Procedure Overview What is a resting myocardial perfusion scan? A myocardial perfusion scan is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, the myocardial perfusion scan eva...

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Stress (Exercise Thallium, Stress Thallium, Cardiac Nuclear Imaging, Adenosine Thallium Scan, Cardiolite® Scan) Procedure Overview What is a stress myocardial perfusion scan? A myocardial perfusion scan is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, the myocardia...

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting (Resting RNA, MUGA, Gated Blood Pool Scan [Resting], Gated Cardiac Scan, Resting Gated Blood Pool Scan, Cardiac Blood Pool Imaging) Procedure Overview What is a resting radionuclide angiogram (RNA)? Resting radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue un...

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting and Exercise (RNA, MUGA, Gated Blood Pool Scan [Resting and Exercise], Gated Cardiac Scan, Exercise Gated Blood Pool Scan, Cardiac Blood Pool Imaging) Procedure Overview What is a resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA)? Resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure ...

Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram (Signal-Averaged ECG, Signal-Averaged EKG, SAECG) Procedure Overview What is a signal-averaged electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the ...

Tilt Table Procedure (Upright Tilt Testing) Procedure Overview What is a tilt table procedure? A tilt table procedure is a diagnostic procedure that may be used to evaluate a person who has symptoms of syncope (fainting). When a person has a complaint of syncope, the physician will carefully evaluate the person's past medical history and perform a physical examination. If basic components of the examination or history do not reveal a potential cause for the syncope, and the person has no history of hear...

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE, Heart Scan with Endoscopy, Transesophageal Echocardiography) Procedure Overview What is a transesophageal echocardiogram? A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a diagnostic procedure that uses echocardiography to assess the heart’s function. Echocardiography is a procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transdu...

Ultrafast Computed Tomography (Ultrafast CT Scan) (Ultrafast CT, Electron-Beam Computed Tomography, EBCT, Cine CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is an ultrafast computed tomography scan (CT scan)? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, m...

Pulmonary Angiogram (Angiogram-Pulmonary, Pulmonary Angiography, Pulmonary Arteriogram, Pulmonary Arteriography, Angiogram of the Lungs) Procedure Overview What is a pulmonary angiogram? An angiogram, also called an arteriogram, is an x-ray image of the blood vessels. It is performed to evaluate various vascular conditions, such as an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel), stenosis (narrowing of a blood vessel), or blockages. A pulmonary angiogram is an angiogram of the blood vessels of the lungs. A p...

Anomalous Coronary Artery (ACA) What is an anomalous coronary artery (ACA)? An anomalous coronary artery (ACA) is a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation. The malformation is congenital (present at birth) and is most often related to the origin or location of the coronary artery. However, there may be other defective areas in the coronary artery. Likewise, it may affect the overall size and shape of the affected coronary artery or arteries. ACA may also occur along with other congenita...

Eisenmenger Syndrome What is Eisenmenger syndrome? Eisenmenger syndrome is a condition that includes a collection of symptoms: cyanosis (pale blue or grayish skin due to decreased oxygen in the blood), pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs), and erythrocytosis (increased number of red blood cells in the blood due to decreased oxygen in the blood). Eisenmenger syndrome primarily affects adolescents and adults with certain congenital heart defects that are repaired ...

Fluoroscopy Procedure Procedure Overview Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures - similar to an x-ray "movie." A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined. The beam is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. Fluoroscopy, as an imaging tool, enables physicians to look at many body systems, including the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Fluoroscopy may be performed to evaluate spec...

Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) (PET Imaging) Procedure Overview What is positron emission tomography (PET)? Positron emission tomography (PET) is a specialized radiology procedure used to examine various body tissues to identify certain conditions. PET may also be used to follow the progress of the treatment of certain conditions. While PET is most commonly used in the fields of neurology, oncology, and cardiology, applications in other fields are currently being studied. PET is a type of nucle...

Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves Click Image to Enlarge What are heart valves? The heart consists of four chambers, two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). Blood passes through a valve before leaving each chamber of the heart. The valves prevent the backward flow of blood. Valves are actually flaps (leaflets) that act as one-way inlets for blood coming into a ventricle and one-way outlets for blood leaving a ventricle. Normal valves have three flaps (leaflets), except the...

The Heart To learn more about the intricate process of heart transplantation, it is important to first learn about the heart and its components. Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding the anatomy of the heart and heart transplantation, for which we have provided a brief overview. About the Heart and Blood Vessels Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves Anatomy and Function of the Electrical System Heart Transplantation

Heart Disorders There are many heart disorders that place a newborn at higher risk and require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Blood Circulation in the Fetus and Newborn Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Congenital Heart Disease

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension What is persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN)? Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) is also known as persistent fetal circulation. In this condition, a newborn baby's circulation changes back to the circulation of a fetus, where much of the blood flow bypasses the lungs. Who is affected by persistent pulmonary hypertension? About one in every 500 to 1,500 babies develops PPHN. It occurs most often in full-term or post-term babies after a difficult birth, or birth...

Congenital Heart Disease According to the March of Dimes, one in 125 babies born in the United States has a congenital (present at birth) heart defect - a problem that occurred as the baby's heart was developing during pregnancy, before the baby is born. Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects. A baby's heart begins to develop at conception, but is completely formed by eight weeks into the pregnancy. Congenital heart defects happen during this crucial first eight weeks of the baby's d...

Online Resources - Cardiovascular Disorders This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains links to ...

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Click Image to Enlarge What is a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)? PDA is a heart problem that is usually noted in the first few weeks or months after birth. It is characterized by a connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery which allows oxygen-rich (red) blood that should go to the body to recirculate through the lungs. All babies are born with this connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. While your baby was developing in the uterus, it was not ne...

Pericarditis in Children What is pericarditis? Pericarditis is inflammation or infection of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart. There is a small amount of fluid between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, the amount of fluid between its two layers increases, causing a pericardial effusion. If the amount of fluid increases quickly, the effusion caused can impair the ability of the heart to function properly. This condition i...

Physical Examination Your child's physical examination: Your child's physician will perform an examination of your child when diagnosing or evaluating heart disease. This examination may include a head-to-toe assessment. A physical examination can help detect possible heart disease, or help him/her determine how well your child is coping with existing heart problems. Some of the areas that may indicate a problem with your child's heart health include the following: the head The physician will check the ...

Rheumatic Heart Disease in Children What is rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which permanent damage to heart valves is caused by rheumatic fever. The heart valve is damaged by a disease process that generally begins with a strep throat caused by bacteria called Streptococcus, and may eventually cause rheumatic fever. Who is at risk for rheumatic fever? Rheumatic fever is uncommon in the US, except in children who have had strep infections that were untreated or inadequa...

Tetralogy of Fallot What is tetralogy of Fallot? Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF or "TET") is a complex condition of several congenital (present at birth) defects that occur due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. These problems include the following: Click Image to Enlarge ventricular septal defect (VSD) - an opening in the ventricular septum, or dividing wall between the two lower chambers of the heart known as the right and left ventricles. pulmonary (or right v...

Tilt Table Evaluation A medical problem which can have many different causes is syncope (fainting). Syncope may occur rarely or frequently, depending on the cause. Some causes of syncope may include, but are not limited to, the following: vasovagal syndrome - a sudden drop in blood pressure with or without a decrease in heart rate that is caused by a dysfunction of the nerves controlling the heart and blood vessels. arrhythmia (or dysrhythmia) - a heart rate that is too slow, too fast, or too irregular ...

Topic Index - Cardiovascular Disorders Cardiovascular Disorders Home The Heart About the Heart and Blood Vessels Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves Anatomy and Function of the Electrical System Diagnosing and Evaluating Heart Disease in Children Physical Examination Blood Tests Chest X-Ray EKG / ECG Holter Monitoring Exercise (EKG / ECG) Testing Tilt Table Evaluation Echocardiography Transesophageal Echocardiography Fetal Echocardiography CT (Computed Tomography) Scan Ultrafast / Electron Beam CT ...

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return What is total anomalous pulmonary venous return? Click Image to Enlarge Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect. Due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, the vessels that bring oxygen-rich (red) blood back to the heart from the lungs are improperly connected. Normally, oxygen-poor (blue) blood returns to the right atrium from the body, travels to the right ventricl...

Transesophageal Echocardiography What is transesophageal echocardiography? Transesophageal echocardiography is also known as TEE, or heart scan with endoscopy. TEE uses a small probe guided into the esophagus while a child is sedated to closely evaluate the heart and blood vessels within the chest. Echocardiography is a procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures through the use of sound waves. A transducer (similar to a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too hi...

Tricuspid Atresia (TA) What is tricuspid atresia? Click Image to Enlarge Tricuspid atresia (TA) is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. The tricuspid valve, normally located between the right atrium and the right ventricle, does not develop properly during pregnancy. Normally, oxygen-poor (blue) blood returns to the right atrium from the body, travels to the right ventricle, then is pumped through t...

Truncus Arteriosus What is truncus arteriosus? Click Image to Enlarge Truncus arteriosus is a congenital (present at birth) defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. The heart begins as a hollow tube, and the chambers, valves, and great arteries develop throughout the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. The aorta and pulmonary artery start as a single blood vessel, which eventually divides and becomes two separate arteries. Truncus arteriosus occurs...

Ultrafast / Electron Beam CT Scan What is an ultrafast/electron beam CT (computed tomography) scan? In standard x-rays, a beam of energy is aimed at the body part being studied. A plate behind the body part captures the variations of the energy beam after it passes through skin, bone, muscle, and other tissue. While much information can be obtained from a regular x-ray, specific detail about internal organs and other structures is not available. With computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scan), the...

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) What is a ventricular septal defect? Click Image to Enlarge A ventricular septal defect is an opening in the ventricular septum, or dividing wall between the two lower chambers of the heart known as the right and left ventricles. VSD is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect. As the fetus is growing, something occurs to affect heart development during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, resulting in a VSD. Normally, oxygen-poor (blue) blood returns to the right atrium f...

About the Heart and Blood Vessels Click Image to Enlarge The heart is the hardest working muscle in the human body. Located almost in the center of the chest, the heart of a child is about the size of his/her fist. By the age of 70 years old, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times. The heart is always working, 24 hours a day, seven days a week - even while we are sleeping, and pumps about 2,000 gallons daily. A child's heart works just as hard as an adult's heart. In fact, at rest, a baby...

Aortic Stenosis What is aortic stenosis? Click Image to Enlarge Aortic stenosis is a heart defect that may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develop later in life). If the problem is congenital, then something occurred during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy to affect the development of the aortic valve. The aortic valve is found between the left ventricle and the aorta. It has three leaflets that function like a one-way door, allowing blood to flow forward into the aorta, but not backward int...

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) What is an atrial septal defect? Click Image to Enlarge An atrial septal defect is an opening in the atrial septum, or dividing wall between the two upper chambers of the heart known as the right and left atria. ASD is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect. As the fetus is growing, something occurs to affect heart development during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, resulting in an ASD. Normally, oxygen-poor (blue) blood returns to the right atrium from the body, trav...

Bacterial Endocarditis What is bacterial endocarditis? Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart. This infection can occur in any person (infant, child, or adult) who has heart disease present at birth (congenital heart disease), or can occur in people without heart disease. Bacterial endocarditis does not occur very often, but when it does, it can cause serious heart damage. It is very important to prevent this infection from occurring, if possible. How does the infection occur?...

Blood Tests Blood tests to evaluate heart disease: Children with congenital (present at birth) heart disease may have blood tests done to help the physician evaluate their illness, or to help monitor their health after surgery. These tests may include the following: complete blood count - a measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen through the bloodstream to the organs and cells of the body. H...

Cardiomyopathy and Your Child What is cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively. In some instances, heart rhythm is disturbed and leads to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). There may be multiple causes of cardiomyopathy, including viral infections. Often, the exact cause of the muscle disease is never found. How does cardiomyopathy differ from other heart disorders? Cardiomyopathy differs from many of the other diso...

Chest X-Ray and Children What are x-rays? X-rays are made by using low levels of external radiation to produce images of the body, the organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body structures onto specially treated plates (similar to camera film) and a "negative" type picture is made. The more solid a structure is, the whiter it appears on the film. For this reason, bones appear very white on an x-ray film, but less dense tissue such as muscle, blood, skin, and ...

Coarctation of the Aorta What is coarctation of the aorta? Click Image to Enlarge Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect involving a narrowing of the aorta. The aorta is the large artery that carries oxygen-rich (red) blood from the left ventricle to the body. It is shaped like a candy cane, with the first section moving up towards the head (ascending aorta), then curving in a C-shape as smaller arteries that are attached to it carry blood to the head and arms (aortic a...

Complex Heart Problems There are many complex problems of the heart that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Truncus Arteriosus Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Anomalous Coronary Artery (ACA)

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan What is a CT scan (computed tomography)? In conventional x-rays, a beam of energy is aimed at the body part being studied. A plate behind the body part captures the variations of the energy beam after it passes through skin, bone, muscle, and other tissue. While much information can be obtained from a regular x-ray, specific detail about internal organs and other structures is not available. With computed tomography scan (also called CT or CAT scan), the x-ray beam moves in...

Diagnosing and Evaluating Heart Disease in Children Diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children can be complex and requires clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some means by which heart disease in children is evaluated and diagnosed, for which we have provided a brief overview. Physical Examination Blood Tests Chest X-Ray EKG / ECG Holter Monitoring Exercise (EKG / ECG) Testing Tilt Table Evaluation Echocardiography Transesophageal Ech...

Echocardiography What is echocardiography? Echocardiography is a procedure used to assess the heart's structures and function. Echocardiography is also called echo, cardiac ultrasound or ultrasonography, or cardiac Doppler. Two main types of echocardiography exist: 1. Transthoracic echocardiography, or TTE: A small probe called a transducer is placed on your child's chest and sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on your child's chest in cert...

EKG / ECG What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on your child's chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to the ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of your child's heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the physician's information and further interpretation. Why is an ECG performed? The el...

Emotional and Family Issues Many factors influence how a child feels about having congenital (present at birth) heart disease, and how it affects him/her mentally and emotionally, including the following: the type of defect Different emotions may be experienced with a congenital heart defect that requires one operation to repair versus one that requires many operations and periodic or constant medical care. the age of the child when the heart defect was diagnosed A child who was diagnosed at birth and w...

Exercise and Physical Stamina Physical considerations for your child: Physical stamina will vary for each child with congenital (present at birth) heart disease. Children with heart defects that cause symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fast heart rate, or sweating, may have less energy and endurance. Children with cyanotic congenital heart defects also have less stamina because they have lower levels of oxygen in the bloodstream to begin with, and can deplete their oxygen levels even faster with pla...

Factors Contributing to Congenital Heart Disease What causes congenital heart disease? A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a heart problem which is present at birth, caused by improper development of the heart during fetal development. In the majority of the instances when a baby is born with congenital heart disease, there is no known reason for the heart to have formed improperly. Scientists know that some types of congenital heart defects can be related to an abnormality of an infant's chromosomes (5 ...

Fetal Circulation How does the fetal circulatory system work? During pregnancy, the fetal circulatory system works differently than after birth: The fetus is connected by the umbilical cord to the placenta, the organ that develops and implants in the mother's uterus during pregnancy. Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, the fetus receives all the necessary nutrition, oxygen, and life support from the mother through the placenta. Waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus are sent back ...

Fetal Echocardiography What is fetal echocardiography? Fetal echocardiography is an ultrasound test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the heart of the unborn baby. Echocardiography assesses the heart's structures and function. A small probe called a transducer (similar to a microphone) is placed on the mother's abdomen and sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed in certain locations and at certain angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move th...

Glossary - Cardiovascular Disorders | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] ablation - elimination or removal. Ablation also refers to a procedure that eliminates extra electrical pathways within the heart that cause fast or irregular heart rhythms. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor - a medication that lowers blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to pum...

Growth and Development Growth considerations for your child: Children with congenital (present at birth) heart disease often grow and develop more slowly than other children. For example: Your child may look much younger, thinner, and, perhaps, frailer than other children the same age. Your child's physician may tell you that your child's height and weight are in lower "percentiles," meaning that a significant number of children in the United States are taller and/or heavier than your child. Your child ...

Heart Defects Causing Obstruction to Blood Flow Heart defects that cause obstruction to blood flow require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some of these defects, for which we have provided a brief overview. Coarctation of the Aorta Aortic Stenosis Pulmonary Stenosis