UChicago Medicine Comer Children's

Pediatric Heart Failure

At the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, we provide the most advanced treatment options for infants, children and teens suffering from heart failure. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is unable to deliver enough nutrient-rich blood to meet the body’s need for oxygen. In babies and young children, this may happen when a valve defect allows too much blood to pass through the lungs, overwhelming the body. In older children and teens, heart failure often results from a weakened or damaged heart muscle. During heart failure, the heart keeps pumping, but cannot efficiently meet the body's needs.

Schedule an Appointment Online

Signs & Symptoms of Pediatric Heart Failure

Signs and symptoms of heart failure in children include difficulty breathing and/or lack of interest in eating. Other signs and symptoms include:

  • Slow growth
  • Excessive sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure

Diagnosising Heart Failure in Children

To diagnose or rule out heart failure, our physicians will start by taking a medical history and performing a physical exam. We may also use some of the following tests:

  • Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart
  • Cardiac catheterization, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small, flexible tube to examine the heart
  • Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan, which takes pictures of the heart using X-ray waves
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which takes pictures of the heart using a machine with a large magnet

Treating Heart Failure in Children

The cause of each patient's heart failure will determine his/her treatment plan. If your child's heart failure is caused by a congenital heart defect, the underlying defect will likely need to be treated — either with medication or surgery. Children with heart failure caused by arrhythmias may require a pacemaker or radiofrequency ablation to correct the abnormal heartbeat. Before recommending surgery, our cardiologists and cardiac surgeons will discuss the best treatment options for your child and family.

Comprehensive Pediatric Cardiology Care

Image of pediatric hematology patient smiling with mother

Get a Second Opinion

Pediatric patient Drew Mastrino and his mom, Kristina Mastrino of Naperville, Il, on January 16, 2013. Drew is treated at Comer Children's Hospital by pediatric gastroenterologist TImothy Sentongo, MD, for an allergic condition called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Meet our Pediatric Heart Care Team

Peds Cardiology Multi 2

Find a Clinical Trial

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

You can also schedule an appointment instantly for in-person and video visits through our online scheduling portal.

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

* Indicates required field

Pediatric Heart Care
Select option
By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.