Pediatrix Cardiology of San Antonio

210-614-3264

210-615-0888

About Our Practice

Pediatrix Cardiology of San Antonio is dedicated to providing high quality, comprehensive cardiac care for patients of all ages who have congenital heart disease. With offices in three San Antonio locations as well as four outreach clinics throughout central and south Texas, our extensive outreach program makes our services accessible to patients in their own communities.

Outreach Clinics please use our toll-free number: 800-697-7008

Cardiology FAQs

What can I expect at the first visit?
The pediatric cardiology team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which will include:
- A physical examination
- Height, weight and blood pressure measurements
- Family history
- Medical history
As part of the evaluation, the pediatric cardiologist may also conduct additional tests to reach a diagnosis. Two of the more commonly performed tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). The tests that are recommended and the questions the pediatric cardiologist will ask during the medical and family history will depend on the reason for the visit.
Murmur: What is a heart murmur, and what should I expect with my visit?

A murmur is a sound heard by the stethoscope. Sometimes, murmurs represent the normal working of the heart, but sometimes they can represent a problem like a hole or valve narrowing. The pediatric cardiologist may order testing based on the patient’s age, history or exam.

Your cardiologist will perform a careful examination and likely an (ECG). Additional testing, such as an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart), may be performed based on the patient’s symptoms, history, the exam or the ECG results.
Chest pain: What should I expect during the visit?
You will be asked several questions about your chest pain. Does it occur during exercise? Does it occur while eating or when laying down? How often does it happen? Is there anything that makes it better? They may do testing, such as:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG)
- An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart)
- A cardiac stress test (an exercise test done on a treadmill or stationary bicycle)
Palpitations: What are palpitations, and what should I expect during my visit?
If your child's heart is pounding or racing, he or she may be experiencing palpitations. This sensation can be felt in the chest, throat or neck. The team will ask about when the palpitations happen and how often they occur. They will ask whether the symptoms are with exercise, without exercise or both.

They may do testing, such as:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG)
- An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart)
- A holter monitor (a continuous rhythm recorder worn for one to seven days)
- An event monitor (a rhythm recorder worn for a month that is activated by the patient during symptoms)
- A cardiac stress test (an exercise test done on a treadmill or stationary bicycle)
Passing out (also called syncope): What should I expect during the visit?
There are many reasons for passing out. Your cardiologist will ask about what the patient was doing when they passed out and consider some common causes (e.g., dehydration, illness, seeing blood, standing up too quickly ). They will ask about how the patient felt before passing out and whether the child has passed out during or after exercise. They will ask about your family history. They may do testing, such as:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG)
- An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart)
- A cardiac stress test (an exercise test done on a treadmill or stationary bicycle)
High blood pressure: What should I expect during the visit?
The team will check height, weight and blood pressure. They may do testing, such as:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG)
- An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart)
High cholesterol: What should I expect during the visit?

The team will check height, weight and blood pressure. They will ask about family history and the patient's diet and exercise habits. They will review the laboratory results and make recommendations based on age, the exam, family history and medical history. It would be helpful to know about close relatives with early-onset heart disease (before age 55 in males and 65 in females).

Awarded Two Years in a Row

Pediatrix Cardiology of San Antonio is the recipient of the Press Ganey’s, Guardian of Excellence in Patient Experience Award, for two years in a row in 2018 and 2019.

Clinical manager Erica Ybarra MSN, RN and her family during the October 2021 event.

Congenital Heart Walk

Our practice has been the top fundraiser (for two years in a row!) for the annual Congenital Heart Walk in San Antonio benefitting the Children’s Heart Foundation. Our team is proud of their fundraising efforts, but “seeing the look on our patient’s faces when they see the nurses and doctors at the zoo playing, dancing, and walking right alongside them is priceless.”

Services Offered

Cardiac Catheterization
Echocardiography
Electrophysiology
Event Monitoring
Exercise Testing
Fetal Echo
Holter Monitoring
Inpatient Care
Outpatient Care
Preventative Cardiology
Sports Clearance

Conditions Treated

Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a term used to describe a group of problems present at birth that affect the structure of the heart and/or the large vessels near the heart. There are many types of CHD. Some types may be detected before birth and, in some cases, may be treated before birth. Other types are not found until the baby is born, during childhood or in adulthood.
Arrhythmia
Cardiomyopathy

A disease of the heart, causing its muscles to become enlarged, thick or ridged. The heart's lessened ability to pump blood effectively can cause fluid buildup in other parts of the body. As the disease worsens, the heart becomes weaker, causing irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, and heart failure.
Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a term used to describe a group of problems present at birth that affect the structure of the heart and/or the large vessels near the heart. There are many types of CHD. Some types may be detected before birth and, in some cases, may be treated before birth. Other types are not found until the baby is born, during childhood or in adulthood.
Heart Murmur

Sounds heard when listening to the heart. They may be innocent (normal) or organic (caused by valve abnormalities or holes in the heart, for example). A physical examination by a pediatric cardiologist, in addition to an electrocardiogram, and in some cases an echocardiogram, will distinguish between innocent and organic murmurs.
Hyperlipidemia
Long QT Syndrome
Syncope

The most common cause of fainting, benign syncope, is when the body reacts to certain activities (such as standing up) by increasing the heart rate and/or blood pressure. The body then responds to this increase by decreasing the heart rate and/or blood pressure, sometimes causing a child to faint or feel like they are going to faint.

Multi-specialized Pediatric Cardiology Group

Our pediatric cardiologists are highly trained specialists who place great emphasis on compassionate, state-of-the-art cardiac care. We take pride in offering care that is not only skilled and technologically advanced, but also friendly and family-centered.

Wide Range from Eletrophysiolgy, Adult Congential, Fetal, Interventional Cardiology as well as Metabolic

We offer full evaluation and management of a wide range of cardiac problems in neonates, infants, children and adolescents. We also have expertise in the management of adults with congenital heart disease and our group is nationally recognized by the Adult Congenital Heart Association as a center for the care and treatment of this population.

Several of our cardiologists also have specialized training in evaluation and diagnosis of fetal cardiac problems. The field of fetal cardiac care is growing rapidly and we are pleased to provide care for the increasing number of expectant mothers whose unborn children are at risk for congenital heart disease.