About cardiologists
A cardiologist is a medical doctor with additional training and skills in diagnosing and treating problems with the heart.
Paediatric cardiologists specialise in looking after the hearts of babies, children and teenagers. They can give advice and treatment options if your child is diagnosed with a heart condition before they’re born.
If your child has health or development concerns, health professionals like cardiologists are there to care for your child and help you understand your child’s condition and treatment. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive.
Seeing a cardiologist: what to expect
Your child might see a cardiologist if there are concerns that your child has:
- congenital heart disease
- high or low blood pressure
- a heart murmur
- an unusual or irregular heartbeat
- another type of heart condition.
When your child sees a cardiologist, the cardiologist might do tests to identify the problem with your child’s heart. These tests might include an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerised tomography (CT).
If your child needs heart surgery, your cardiologist will work closely with a cardiothoracic surgeon.
If you’re worried about your child’s heart, start by seeing your GP. Your GP will refer your child to a cardiologist or to a hospital emergency service if needed.
Before going to a cardiologist
Before seeing the cardiologist, it’s a good idea to find out about things like the following:
- Why you’re going – talk with your GP about why your child needs to see a cardiologist.
- Appointments – do you need to make the appointment, or will the GP make it for you?
- Waiting lists – how long before you can get an appointment to see the cardiologist?
- Is there anything you can do while you’re waiting for the appointment? For example, can your child start some treatment or therapy?
- Costs – how much will the appointment with the cardiologist cost? Check whether you can get money back from Medicare or private health insurance.
- Locations – find out where you have to go to see the cardiologist – for example, public hospital, private hospital or clinic.
- Preparation – what do you need to bring to the appointment? For example, should you bring your child’s test results or their child health and development book?
You can ask your GP these and any other questions before you go to the cardiologist. You could also ask the cardiology clinic when you make the appointment. Writing down your questions can help you remember them.