Understanding Your Child's Heart Condition
Plain explanations of the conditions we see most often — what they are, what they mean, and what can be done.
Plain Explanations, Written for Parents
Being told your child has a heart condition is frightening, and the words used are rarely words you have heard before.
These pages give you a clear starting point before your appointment — what the condition is, what it means, and what can be done about it.
Congenital Heart Disease
The overview: what it means, why it happens, and what can be done about it.
Learn moreAtrial Septal Defect (ASD)
A hole between the upper chambers — often called a hole in the heart.
Learn moreVentricular Septal Defect (VSD)
The most common congenital heart defect, between the pumping chambers.
Learn morePatent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
A vessel that should close after birth but stays open, common in premature babies.
Learn moreTetralogy of Fallot
Four features together — the condition many families know as blue baby.
Learn morePulmonary Stenosis
Narrowing of the valve to the lungs, usually treated with a balloon.
Learn moreAortic Stenosis
Narrowing of the valve to the body, needing careful lifelong review.
Learn moreHeart Murmur in Children
A sound, not a diagnosis. Most murmurs in children are entirely innocent.
Learn moreArrhythmia in Children
A fast, slow or irregular heartbeat — most are harmless, some are not.
Learn moreSigns That Should Prompt a Heart Check
Most of the time the answer is reassuring. That is a good reason to ask, not a reason to wait.
Call 86983 13098In babies
In older children
Not Sure Where Your Child Fits?
Bring the report you have been given. We will read it with you and explain what it means in plain language.