Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Heart Institute | Pediatric General Cardiology

Florida’s leader in pediatric cardiology — caring for little hearts with big expertise.

954-276-2000 Our Locations

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is proud to announce a significant expansion of its Heart Institute, solidifying its position as Florida’s leader in pediatric cardiology – with 14 world-class pediatric cardiologists conveniently located throughout South Florida in Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties.

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954-276-2000 Our Locations

We are here for your family — from the moment of diagnosis to treatment and recovery and into adulthood, if needed.

When it comes to your child's heart, you can trust our expert team of general cardiologists (doctors who specialize in treating conditions that affect the heart and vascular system) to provide the care they need. We treat all kinds of heart and vascular conditions.

Heart Care in a Community Setting

Our team of pediatric cardiologists has expertise in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in infants, children and adolescents. Whether your child’s heart condition is found before birth, after birth, or as they grow, we work with you to find the most effective treatment for your child’s specific needs.

As part of the Memorial Healthcare System, our community cardiologists have access to extensive resources and highly trained cardiovascular specialists. This network benefits your child if they require heart surgery, coordination with other specialty services, or care for serious and rare disorders.

How We Care for Your Child’s Heart

Pediatric Heart Conditions

Some of our pediatric heart conditions we treat include:

Arrhythmias: An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Normally, a child’s heart beats in a consistent pattern. With an arrhythmia, it can beat too slowly (bradycardia), too quickly (tachycardia) or irregularly. These abnormal rhythms can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood and maintain its rhythm.
- Children with cardiomyopathy may tire easily and have poor growth as their heart struggles to pump enough blood to support the body's needs.
Chest Pain: Discomfort in the chest like a dull ache, a burning feeling, a sharp stabbing pain, or pain that radiates to the neck or shoulder.
Congenital Heart Disease or Abnormality: A problem with the structure of the heart that develops before birth.
Heart Murmurs: Extra or abnormal sounds made by blood flowing through the heart.
Heart Palpitations: Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart.
- ECG/EKG abnormality: Underlying heart conditions measured by the electrical activity of the heart.
High Blood Pressure: When the force of blood on the blood vessel walls is too high.
Lipid Disorders: High levels of fat particles in the blood.
Long QT Syndrome: A disorder of the heart's electrical activity.
Syncope: A temporary loss of consciousness (fainting).

Pediatric Heart Diagnostic Testing

Some of our diagnostic testing may include:

CT Scan: A CT scan uses a series of X-rays and a computer to produce a 3D image of soft tissues and bones to detect diseases and injuries. The CT scan helps us evaluate structures outside the heart, including the veins, coronary arteries, aorta and aortic arch (the part of the aorta that bends).
Echocardiography: This diagnostic procedure uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. An echo can help us identify congenital heart problems.
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG): A painless, noninvasive way to measure electrical activity of a child's heart to check for signs of heart disease.
Electrophysiology: A test performed to assess your heart's electrical system or activity.
Lab: Involves testing a sample of blood, urine or other substance from the body.
MRI: Cardiac MRI takes images of the child's body using a magnet, radio waves and a computer. The MRI machine does not touch the child's body and does not use X-rays or radiation.
Nuclear Testing: A scan that uses radioactive substances to see structures and functions inside the body.
Stress Test: An exam that shows how well your child's heart works during physical activity.
Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of organs, tissues and other structures inside the body.

Pediatric Heart Services

ADHD Cardiac Screening: An evaluation for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a medical history of cardiac disease before being treated with stimulant therapy.
Event Monitoring: A portable device used to record the heart's electrical activity during symptoms.
Exercise Testing: A test that measures how the heart responds to work.
Holter Monitoring: A portable device that monitors your heart function continuously for 24 hours or longer.
Outpatient Care: For patients undergoing treatments and medical procedures that do not require overnight hospital stays.
Preventative Cardiology: Our experts evaluate and treat heart disease risk factors in children, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
Sports Clearance: An in-depth assessment of the heart to determine a child’s risk of sudden cardiac death.