Articles In This Section
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Heart Health
Are you heart smart? Learn about this amazing muscle, including how to care for kids with heart conditions.
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Body Basics: The Heart (Slideshow)
Learn how this amazing muscle pumps blood throughout the body.
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Words to Know (Heart Glossary)
A guide to medical terms about the heart and circulatory system. In an easy A-Z format, find definitions on heart defects, heart conditions, treatments, and more.
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De corazón: nuestras historias (video)
En este video, verá a cuatro niños hablar de sus vidas y la manera en la que conviven, y viven plenamente, con sus afecciones del corazón.
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De corazón: los padres hablan (video)
En este video podrá ver hablar a los padres de los niños o adolescentes que tienen afecciones del corazón.
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From the Heart: Our Stories (Video)
In this video, hear from four kids and teens who are living — and thriving — with heart conditions.
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From the Heart: Parents Talk (Video)
Hear what's worked well for these families, who have kids who are living with heart conditions.
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Sickle Cell Disease: Theresa’s Story (Video)
Find out what works for this teen when it comes to living with - and managing - her disease.
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Sickle Cell Disease: Mike’s Story (Video)
Learn how this teen helps manage his disease and stay on top of his game.
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Cardiac Catheterization
This minimally invasive procedure helps doctors perform diagnostic tests on the heart and even treat some heart conditions.
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Beta Thalassemia
Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing beta globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.
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Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a blood vessel that connects two major arteries before birth and normally closes after a baby is born. When the DA stays open, a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) results.
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Tetralogy of Fallot
Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four birth defects that together affect the structure of the heart and how blood flows through it.
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Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that put kids at risk for heart disease and diabetes. With lifestyle changes, however, many kids are able to improve their health and reduce their risk of disease.
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Strokes
This "brain attack" happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a brief second. Signs and symptoms of strokes in kids are similar to those in adults.
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Stem Cell Transplants
Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.
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Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)
Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.
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When Your Child Needs a Heart Transplant
If your child needs a heart transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.
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Port-Wine Stains
For most kids, these birthmarks are no big deal — they're just part of who they are. Read about port-wine stains, how to care for them, and, if necessary, what treatments are available.
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Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a very common heart condition, but it isn't a critical heart problem or a sign of other serious medical conditions.
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Marfan Syndrome
Marfan syndrome is a progressive genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.
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Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Many don't require treatment; however, some need to be evaluated and treated by a doctor.
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Coarctation of the Aorta
Coarctation of the aorta is a treatable congenital defect in which a child's aorta is narrowed at some point.
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Ventricular Septal Defect
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) - also known as a "hole in the heart" - is a congenital heart defect. Fortunately, most VSDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.
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Atrial Septal Defect
Atrial septal defect (ASD) - also known as a "hole in the heart" - is a type of congenital heart disease. Fortunately, most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.
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Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is most common among children of Japanese and Korean descent, but can affect all ethnic groups. The first symptom is a high fever that lasts for at least 5 days.
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Heart Murmurs and Your Child
A heart murmur diagnosis is extremely common. Most murmurs are not a cause for concern and do not affect a child's health.
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Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. With modern treatment, most kids who have it can lead full, healthy lives.
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Cholesterol and Your Child
Most parents probably don't think about what cholesterol means for their kids. But high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, which has its roots in childhood.
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Sickle Cell Disease
Thanks to advancements in early diagnosis and treatment, most kids born with sickle cell disease grow up to live relatively healthy and productive lives.
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von Willebrand Disease
Excessive or prolonged bleeding could be a sign of von Willebrand disease. Learn more about this genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot.
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Anemia
Anemia, one of the more common blood disorders, occurs when the number of healthy red blood cells decreases. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including fatigue and stress on all the body's organs.
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If Your Child Has a Heart Defect
Congenital heart defects are relatively common, affecting almost 1 in every 100 newborns in the United States.
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Alpha Thalassemia
Alpha thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing alpha globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.
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Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Iron helps the body carry oxygen in the blood and plays a key role in brain and muscle function. Too little iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Read more here.
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Hereditary Hemochromatosis
This genetic disease causes the body to store too much iron. Over time, an iron build-up can be dangerous. Learn more about hemochromatosis.
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G6PD Deficiency
An inherited condition, G6PD deficiency is when someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells. Certain triggers can lead to anemia in kids who have G6PD deficiency.
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is usually associated with older people. But some kids do have it, and it can be life-threatening if left untreated.
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Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects involve abnormal or incomplete development of the heart. Learn about the different types of congenital heart defects.