Pediatrix Children’s Hearts of Nashville

615-321-8549

About Our Practice

Pediatrix Children’s Hearts of Nashville has been Nashville’s reliable and trusted partner in providing high-quality pediatric cardiology services since 1991. Our practice specializes in all aspects of pediatric cardiology, seeing patients from birth through early adulthood. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to collaborating in the care of your child or pediatric patients.

Insurance Options

Newborn Consultations

We offer cardiac consultations in hospitals across Nashville for patients in well-baby nurseries, neonatal intensive care units and on the pediatric floor. Our experienced pediatric cardiologists collaborate with pediatricians and neonatologists in the care of newborns and children in need of a cardiac evaluation. They are available to provide follow-up care in our outpatient locations upon discharge from the hospital, as needed.

To refer a patient or schedule a consultation, please complete our online referral form or call 615-321-8549.

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).

Services Offered

ADHD Screening

A cardiac evaluation for children who have a medical history of cardiac disease and are either currently undergoing, or are being considered for stimulant therapy. The evaluation may include an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) to determine if the child’s heart is beating as it should and serve as a baseline for future comparison.
Echocardiography
Event Monitoring
Exercise Testing
Holter Monitoring
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.
Condition Treated
Heart Disease
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.