Pediatric Cardiology
Experience and Dedication
Welcome to the Pediatric Cardiology Service at Hospital Ruber Internacional!
At our center, we specialize in providing comprehensive medical care for children, diagnosing and treating cardiac disorders in patients from the prenatal stage through adolescence. Our team of expert pediatric cardiologists and highly trained medical staff is committed to your child's cardiovascular health, delivering cutting-edge care and the necessary support to ensure their well-being.
Our specialists are highly qualified to perform thorough medical evaluations, interpret cardiac tests, and provide an integrated approach to the treatment and management of pediatric heart conditions.
At the Pediatric Cardiology Service at Hospital Ruber Internacional, we understand and value the concerns of children, their parents, and family members. We work tirelessly to ensure everyone feels cared for, supported, and surrounded by a friendly and positive environment throughout the treatment process.
Empathy, Trust, and Security.
- Team of Dr. Federico Gutiérrez-Larraya AguadoTeam Leader: Dr. Federico Gutiérrez-Larraya AguadoCentro Médico Paseo de la HabanaSpecialty: Pediatric Cardiology91 457 77 64 / 91 387 51 62
Cardiovascular Well-Being in Children
Cardiac issues in children can range from structural abnormalities present at birth (congenital heart defects) to later-acquired disorders caused by illnesses, infections, or genetic factors.
The primary goal of Pediatric Cardiology is to ensure the cardiovascular well-being of children by guaranteeing early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and continuous follow-up to enhance their long-term quality of life.
Our team employs cutting-edge technology and advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate and treat pediatric cardiac conditions. These include echocardiography, electrocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and other studies to ensure precise diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
In terms of patient age, our pediatric cardiologists care for babies even before birth and, once born, throughout all stages of growth and development. These specialists are equipped to address a wide variety of congenital and acquired heart conditions that may affect children.
Some of the main conditions we treat in our service include:
- Congenital Heart Defects: These are structural problems with the heart present at birth. Common examples include atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great arteries, among others.
- Acquired Heart Diseases: These are cardiac conditions that may develop after birth due to various causes, such as myocarditis, infectious endocarditis, and connective tissue diseases like Marfan syndrome.
- Arrhythmias: These are rhythm disorders of the heart, which can range from benign arrhythmias to more severe conditions like supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation.
- Heart Murmurs: Abnormal sounds heard during a heartbeat can indicate an underlying heart condition. We evaluate and diagnose the cause of heart murmurs in children.
- Hypertension: Assessing and treating high blood pressure in children is crucial for preventing long-term cardiovascular complications.
Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment
While a child may develop heart conditions due to various causes, congenital heart defects are the most common in childhood. Below are some of the most frequently encountered congenital conditions:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A defect in the wall separating the two atria of the heart, resulting in abnormal communication between them.
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall dividing the heart’s ventricles, creating an unusual connection between them.
- Tetralogy of Fallot: A complex condition involving multiple heart defects, such as a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary artery narrowing, and abnormal positioning of the aorta.
- Transposition of the Great Arteries: Characterized by the reversed positioning of the heart's major arteries—the aorta and the pulmonary artery—leading to improper blood circulation.
- Coarctation of the Aorta: A narrowing of the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, restricting proper blood flow.
- Marfan Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, including the heart, which may lead to abnormalities in heart valves and the aorta.
These are just a few of the most common congenital conditions, but many other heart disorders can affect children. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to ensuring the health and well-being of pediatric patients with cardiac conditions.
At the Pediatric Cardiology Service of Hospital Ruber Internacional, we are fully aware of the concerns that children, their parents, and family members may experience when facing a heart condition.
We understand that being in a medical environment can feel intimidating for children. Our commitment is to make their experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
We also recognize that parents and family members may experience anxiety and stress during this process. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and understanding environment. Our team is committed to listening to your concerns, answering your questions, and giving you the information you need to feel informed and empowered at all times.
We work closely with you, involving you in decision-making and ensuring that your voice is heard and valued.