Risk factors that contribute to coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular diseases (such as smoking, lack of exercise, and high cholesterol levels) often begin at an early age. Nearly half of children ages 12 to 21 do not exercise on a daily basis, and an estimated 8.8 million (about 30 percent) US children ages six to 19 are obese.
Some heart problems experienced by children, such as most cases of congenital (present at birth) heart defects, can be treated medically or surgically, but cannot be prevented.

However, heart-healthy living habits started at an early age - sensible eating, keeping cholesterol levels low, getting regular exercise, refraining from smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight - greatly diminish the risks of other cardiovascular problems such as stroke, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease developing in adulthood.

• The Heart
  • About the Heart and Blood Vessels
  • Anatomy and Function of the Electrical System
  • Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves
• Diagnosing and Evaluating Heart Disease in Children
  • Blood Tests
  • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Chest X-Ray
  • EKG / ECG
  • Echocardiography
  • Exercise (EKG / ECG) Testing
  • Fetal Echocardiography
  • Holter Monitoring
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Physical Examination
  • Tilt Table Evaluation
  • Transesophageal Echocardiography
  • Ultrafast / Electron Beam CT Scan
• Problems Affecting the Coronary Arteries and Blood Vessels
  • About the Heart and Blood Vessels
  • Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides
  • Food Basics
  • Heart Healthy Eating
  • High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents
• Problems Involving Heart Rhythm
  • Anatomy and Function of the Electrical System
  • Arrhythmias
  • Overview of Pacemakers
  • Living With a Pacemaker
• Other Heart Diseases and Conditions
  • Bacterial Endocarditis
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Congenital Heart Disease
    • Overview of Congenital Heart Disease
    • Factors Contributing to Congenital Heart Disease
    • Living With Congenital Heart Disease
    • Fetal Circulation
    • Heart Defects Causing Extra Blood Flow Through the Lungs
    • Heart Defects Causing Obstructions to Blood Flow
    • Heart Defects: Too Little Blood Flow Through Lungs
    • Complex Heart Problems
  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
  • Heart Murmurs
  • Heart Transplantation
  • Kawasaki Disease
  • Marfan Syndrome
  • Pericarditis
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease
  • Syncope
  • Glossary

Pediatric Cardiovascular Care
at Rush

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for children of all ages, from newborns through young adults.

At Rush, physicians from more than 30 specialties address the full range of pediatric diseases and congenital problems, from the common to the complex. Rush pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, nurses and other health professionals provide care that aims to fulfill community needs, empower parents and advance pediatric care.

For more information about the pediatric cardiovascular care at Rush visit the Pediatric Cardiovascular Services home page.

Or phone (888) RUSH-KID or (888) 787-4543.

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