Somerset Clinic’s Paediatric Cardiology service is run by Dr Talal whose experience expands over twenty years of working in some of the UK’s most prominent cardiology centres such as the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
Paediatric cardiology is a medical practice that focuses on the study of the structure, function, and health of the heart and blood vessels. It also deals with the treatment, management and prevention of a range of cardiac or related diseases affecting infants, children and adolescents. On the other hand, paediatric cardiologists are medical experts who diagnose and treat cardiology related disorders in children. They are also responsible for conducting a wide range of tests and procedures and administering medications based on the condition of the heart.
There are many categories of heart disease affecting children of all ages. Some of these are congenital disorders while others are acquired. In addition, some types of heart disease are minor, while others are chronic and come with severe complications. In general, these are common types of childhood heart disease:
- Congenital heart disease: this kind of heart condition is present at the time of birth. This can have a long-term impact on the overall health of the child if not corrected in time. Types of congenital heart defects affecting infants include;
- Heart valve condition: this includes narrowing of the aortic valve and changes in blood flow.
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: occurs when the left side of the heart is not fully developed.
- Atrial septal defects
- Ventricular septal defects
- Patent duct arteries
- Tetralogy of Fallot: consists of four distinct defects: a narrowed trajectory between the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle, a hole in the ventricular septum, a thickened right heart, and a displaced aorta.
Common types of acquired heart disease include:
- Arrhythmia: which is an abnormal heart rhythm that causes the heart to beat irregularly. The categories of arrhythmias that affect children are tachycardia (rapid heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and long-term T-syndrome.
- Atherosclerosis: this includes the accumulation of fat or cholesterol-filled plaques in the arteries. This makes the arteries narrow and stiff, hence increasing the risk of heart attacks and blood clots.
- Kawasaki disease: this heart condition inflames blood vessels located in the throat, arms, legs, lips, and mouth. It causes fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- Rheumatic heart disease: this is a serious condition that can lead to permanent damage to the heart muscle and heart valves.
- Pericarditis: a disorder caused by inflammation or infection in the membrane or thin sac that surrounds the heart.
- Heart murmur: a sound created when blood circulates through the heart’s chambers, valves, and the vessels near the heart.
- Viral infections: a virus can sometimes affect normal heart health. It basically causes myocarditis, which can change the heart’s ability to pump blood to all parts of the body.
Signs and symptoms of childhood heart disorders
A paediatric cardiologist treats children from birth to 18 years of age. The paediatric cardiologist focuses on critical congenital heart malformations, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the cardiovascular system, Kawasaki disease, and much more. The task of a paediatric cardiologist is to diagnose, prevent and treat congenital and acquired pathologies of the cardiovascular system in children and adolescents.
Cardiac procedures include:
- Echocardiography (scanning the heart of the infant or child)
- Newborn cardiac assessments
- ECGs (electrocardiograms)
- Holter Monitoring (electrocardiogram monitoring in our clinic or at home over a period of 24-48-72 hours) for cases of palpitations or suspected rhythm problems
- Heart murmur assessments
- Episodes of fast heart rate assessments
- Fainting episodes assessments and management
- Liaise with surgical cardiac centres and overseas teams, particularly in relation to complex cardiac conditions that require intervention
- Second opinion related to heart problems in children
- Opinion related to a family history of cardiac problems
Some types of heart disease show different signs and symptoms, while others have no symptoms. However, you should see a paediatric cardiologist if your child shows symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Dyspnea
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Rate Changes
- Chest Pain
- Weakening
- Problems With Exercise Or Inability To Exercise
- PPoor Nutrition
- Rapid Breathing
- Lung Infection
- Low Or Abnormal Weight Gain
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About the Doctor
Dr Talal Farha, who is an Oxford-trained consultant paediatrician, is renowned for his knowledge and expertise in general paediatrics and cardiology. He looks after all general paediatric cases from coughs and colds, and routine vaccination to complex paediatric cases including asthma, abdominal pain, headache, chest pain, persistent fever, cystic fibrosis, constipation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and cardiac-related cases with links to internationally well-known cardiac centred hospitals. Supporting families from premature, newborn care right through the teenage years.
Dr. Talal Farha
Consultant Paediatrician;
Special Interest in Paediatric Cardiology
Why Choose Us
Healthcare Facility with International Standards With a range of services under one roof, patient-focused care is our imperative and our priority. Our practices are externally and objectively measured against the Dubai Outpatient Clinic Quality Standards, which holds ISQua’s International Society for Quality in Healthcare Accreditation. Our doctors, allied professionals and nursing staff enthusiastically provide exceptional services to treat a wide range of health issues. Our skilled healthcare professionals focus on prevention, disease management, and suitable clinical interventions, as they realise that every patient is worthy of receiving superior therapy for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
