Children rarely present with the symptoms classically associated with heart disease in adults (chest pain, shortness of breath, swollen ankles) – rather they present with a variety of symptoms such as failure to thrive, frequent chest infections, or unexplained ‘funny turns’. A careful history and examination is key, as are special investigations such as CXR, ECG and pulse oximetry. An echocardiogram is the gold standard investigation required to confirm the diagnosis. Cardiac catheterisation is used as a diagnostic tool to answer specific questions, for instance to measure the pulmonary vascular resistance, or investigate the anatomy of the.
