Why Choose IGP for Paediatric Cardiology Services?
We have developed a comprehensive system for managing and diagnosing various cardiac conditions in children. Through a combination of cardiac electrophysiology, fetal cardiology and echocardiology, we're identifying potentially serious heart defects in babies and children at the earliest opportunity.
If your child is experiencing heart-related symptoms, you can arrange a one-on-one consultation with one of our cardiologists. Alternatively, you can attend one of our regular heart screening sessions. In the first instance, however, call our private GP clinic in South Wales on 03456 252 252. Whether you choose to attend a screening session or an individual assessment with a consultant paediatric cardiologist, we'll ensure your child gets the best possible care.
Paediatric cardiology is a highly specialised field that requires vast experience and the very best cardiologists. When you choose iGP for heart screening and paediatric cardiology services, you get both.
Leading our multi-disciplinary paediatric cardiology team is Dr Orhan Uzun, who has been treating the following conditions in children for several years:
A consultation with a senior member of our paediatric cardiology team can be arranged in just a few days. So if you don't want to join your local NHS Trust's waiting list, book your appointment today.
Whether you arrange a full consultation with a consultant cardiologist or a nurse-led ECG, you and your child are guaranteed the following benefits at your nearest IGP clinic:
Care from Some of the Best Paediatric Cardiologists in the UK
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Led by Dr Orhan Uzun, iGP's paediatric cardiology services are delivered by some of the most respected clinicians in their field. Your child will be seen quickly at a time that suits you. And the root causes of their symptoms will be identified as quickly as possible.
State-of-the-Art Paediatric Cardiology Facilities
At IGP, we do everything we can to investigate and diagnose heart problems in children quickly and accurately. That's why we've invested heavily in world-class diagnostic equipment and facilities.
We also understand how distressing it can be for young children when they have to endure medical testing procedures administered by strangers. That's why we work cautiously and with the utmost sensitivity. We've assembled a leading paediatric cardiology team in South Wales who can diagnose heart conditions at the earliest opportunity and tailor care programmes to the specific needs of the child.
Professor Orhan Uzun
Professor Orhan Uzun is currently a Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Cardiff and Vale UHB and the lead Paediatric Cardiologist at his private clinic with IGP. He is a renowned Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist with experience in the diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease, echocardiography, fetal cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology.
Professor Uzun has been at the forefront of teaching and training nationally and internationally in fields of electrophysiology, sport cardiology and sudden death syndromes, ECG, cardiac arrhythmias, echocardiography and fetal cardiology. He founded and led Welsh Paediatric and Fetal Cardiovascular Networks. He is the scientific paediatric session organiser, session advisor, faculty, chair and lecturer, Heart Rhythm Congress, UK 2008-2018.
Awards
2013 Best Teacher Award, Wales Deanery.
2013 NHS Innovations Award, Wales.
2014 Clinical Excellence Bronze Award.
2016 BMJ Best Cardiology Team Award, UK.
2018 Clinical Excellence Silver Award.
His research interests are fetal and childhood arrhythmias, electrophysiology, sudden death and inherited arrhythmias, inherited cardiomyopathies, pacing and defibrillation, non-invasive rhythm monitoring, paediatric and fetal echocardiography, cardiovascular changes during pregnancy, exercise and sport physiology, single ventricle and heart failure, artificial assist device in Fontan circuit. He has on-going research collaboration with Cardiff University, Swansea University Sport Sciences and Engineering, Bath University Engineering, and University of West of England Health Sciences. He is a member of Welsh Cardiovascular Research Network and Alumni of BHF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does My Child Need an ECG or an Echocardiogram?
This will be decided by the cardiologist at your child's first assessment. An ECG (electrocardiogram) looks for irregular electrical signals in the heart and the surrounding areas that might point to underlying conditions. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound designed to look for structural abnormalities in the heart.
What Does an ECG for Children Look For?
If your child is suffering from heart-related symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath or palpitations, a consultant or cardiology nurse will check for signs of the following conditions:
Arrhythmia
Coronary heart disease
Cardiomyopathy
A heart attack
What Does an ECG for Children Involve?
Your cardiac clinician will begin by placing electrodes on your child's legs, arms and chest. These sensors will pick up electrical signals from your child's heart and send them to a monitoring machine. A printout is then produced, which must be studied by a cardiologist. An ECG is designed to search for the following issues:
Restricted blood flow
Thickened or enlarged heart tissue
Signs of a heart attack
Heartbeat problems such as irregularity and tachycardia
Abnormal electrical activity
What Does an Echocardiogram for Children Involve?
An echocardiogram for children uses sound waves to search for structural issues with the heart. This ultrasound scan is painless, but it can be distressing for some children. You'll be allowed to remain with your child throughout the scan.
Your IGP paediatric cardiologist will use the ultrasound scan to search for signs of:
Endocarditis
Cardiomyopathy
Congenital heart disease
Heart failure
Signs of a heart attack
Paediatric Heart Murmur Clinic
At our IGP, we specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of heart murmurs in children. Our team of experienced paediatric cardiologists is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our young patients and their families.
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat. Heart murmurs can be caused by a variety of factors, including structural abnormalities in the heart, infections, and other medical conditions. Heart murmurs are usually benign and do not cause any symptoms, but they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires treatment.
At our clinic, we offer a range of diagnostic tests to assess the cause of a heart murmur in children. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram (echo), and other imaging tests. Based on the results of these tests, our paediatric cardiologists will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your child.
Our clinic is committed to providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for our young patients. We understand that the thought of undergoing medical tests and procedures can be stressful for children and their families, and we strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our paediatric cardiologists, please give us a call or visit our website to book an appointment. We look forward to helping your child achieve optimal heart health.
What is a heart murmur?
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat. Heart murmurs are usually benign and do not cause any symptoms, but they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires treatment.
Heart murmurs can be caused by a variety of factors, including structural abnormalities in the heart, infections, and other medical conditions. They can also be caused by normal variations in blood flow through the heart, such as during pregnancy or after physical activity.
Heart murmurs are usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider during a physical examination. The healthcare provider will listen to the heart using a stethoscope and may hear a swishing or whooshing sound that indicates the presence of a murmur.
In some cases, additional tests may be needed to determine the cause of a heart murmur and to rule out any underlying conditions. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram (echo), and other imaging tests.
If a heart murmur is found, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. In most cases, treatment is not needed, as heart murmurs are usually benign. However, if a heart murmur is caused by an underlying condition, treatment may be necessary to manage the condition and prevent complications.
What are the symptoms of a Heart murmur?
Most heart murmurs do not cause any symptoms and are discovered during a routine physical examination. However, in some cases, a heart murmur may be associated with symptoms such as:
Chest pain or discomfort: A heart murmur may cause chest pain or discomfort, particularly if it is caused by a structural abnormality in the heart.
Shortness of breath: A heart murmur may cause shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down.
Fatigue: A heart murmur may cause fatigue, as the heart may have to work harder to pump blood through the body.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen: A heart murmur may cause fluid to build up in the legs, ankles, or abdomen, leading to swelling.
Palpitations: A heart murmur may cause a sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeats, known as palpitations.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. It is also important to note that these symptoms can be caused by a variety of other medical conditions and are not necessarily indicative of a heart murmur.
How is a heart murmur diagnosed?
A heart murmur is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider during a physical examination. The healthcare provider will listen to the heart using a stethoscope and may hear a swishing or whooshing sound that indicates the presence of a murmur.
In some cases, additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis of a heart murmur and to determine the cause of the murmur. These tests may include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can help to identify any abnormalities in the heart's rhythm or structure.
Echocardiogram (echo): An echo is a test that uses sound waves to create a detailed image of the heart. It can help to identify any structural abnormalities in the heart and to evaluate the function of the heart's valves.
Cardiac catheterization: Cardiac catheterization is a procedure that involves inserting a long, thin tube into a blood vessel and threading it to the heart. It can help to diagnose structural abnormalities in the heart and to assess the blood flow through the heart.
Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is a test that uses x-rays to create an image of the heart and the surrounding structures. It can help to identify any abnormalities in the heart's size or shape.
Based on the results of these tests, a healthcare provider will be able to determine the cause of a heart murmur and the best course of treatment.
How is a heart murmur treated?
The treatment of a heart murmur depends on the underlying cause of the murmur and the severity of the condition. In most cases, treatment is not needed, as heart murmurs are usually benign. However, if a heart murmur is caused by an underlying condition, treatment may be necessary to manage the condition and prevent complications.
Some common treatment options for heart murmurs include:
Medications: If a heart murmur is caused by an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure or a heart valve problem, medications may be prescribed to manage the condition.
Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet, can help to improve heart health and reduce the risk of complications.
Surgical procedures: In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves or to correct structural abnormalities in the heart.
It is important to speak to a healthcare provider about the best treatment options for a heart murmur. The healthcare provider will consider the specific needs and circumstances of the patient and will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs.
Book Your Child's Cardiology Consultation Today
While this will obviously be a worrying time for you and your family, finding the root cause of your child's symptoms is the first step on the road to recovery. Our cardiology team will be there for you to answer your questions and provide professional support.
We have clinics in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, so access to private paediatric cardiology services in South Wales has never been easier. Book your personalised consultation online, or call us on 03456 252 252 to find out more about our world-class cardiology screening and diagnostics for children.