Paediatric cardiology is the specialty concerned with diseases of the heart in the growing and developing individual. Paediatric cardiologists investigate and treat patients with congenital or acquired heart disease, diseases of cardiac rhythm and conduction, and disturbances of cardiac and circulatory function.

Approximately 8 per 1000 children are born with a congenital heart defect. Most of these are diagnosed by echocardiography (ultrasound scan of the heart).

Reasons for being referred to a paediatric cardiologist include:

Assessment of heart murmurs

Symptoms of rhythm disturbance such as palpitations, dizzy spells or faints

Screening for inherited conditions such as cardiomyopathy

Screening for sporting activities including scuba-diving