Pediatric Cardiology Conditions and Treatments

At University Children’s Health Heart Center, we treat a variety of congenital heart defects in infants, children and even young adults. We understand that for parents and loved ones, a child’s congenital heart disease is difficult to face. With all the medical jargon, it can be even more challenging to understand. To help you understand your child's condition, we address the different conditions a child with a pediatric heart problem may face.

Acyanotic and Cyanotic Heart Defects

Congenital heart disease is split into two groups, acyanotic heart defects and cyanotic heart defects. In both defects, the heart doesn’t pump blood as it should.

Acyanotic Heart Defect

In the case of an acyanotic heart defect, the blood flows from the left side to the right side of the heart because of a structural defect. However, the oxygen level in the blood is not visibly affected.

Cyanotic Heart Defect

A cyanotic heart defect causes low oxygen levels in the blood and usually results in a blue tint to your child's skin.