Clinical Experience

I observed in the pediatric cardiology clinic with Dr. Scott Baldwin August of 2017. I saw several patients with various CHD’s from mild to severe.

1) Symptoms Observed or Discussed

Fainting
Shortness of Breath
Problem Eating
Heart Murmurs (via EKG and stethoscope)
Fractile Shortening (Systole vs Diastole)

2.) Patients Observed

Case #1: Mild CHD
- Background: African American Female, age 12,
  - Being seen for routine follow-up post Kawasaki’s disease( 3 years removed)
  - Never had problems with coronary deficit that would be attributed from Kawasaki’s
  - Fractile Shortening 41.7% (normal)
  - Has High Cholesterol
  - Takes Keppra 2x daily for other non-cardio related reasons
- Procedure/ Observation/Course of Action
  - Heart sounds normal
  - EKG appears well within normal range
  - no leaking
  - No shortness of breath
  - Approved for physical activity
  - Check-up in 8 months
Case #2: Moderate CHD
- Background Hispanic Male, 1 year old (Spanish translator required for interaction)
  - Being seen for atrial septal defect
  - Cardiac function is depressed
  - vigorous contraction
  - not high velocity
  - Has PFO
  - Patient has weakening of lower extremities
  - Sweats disproportionately to ambient temperature
  - gets colds easily afterwards
- Procedure/Observation/Course of Action
  - Previous EKG: observed thickness in Right ventricle
  - Current EKG: heart defect healing, appears almost normal
  - Check-up in 8-months for heart
  - Referral to primary care for other ailments (weakening, sweating)
Case #3: Severe CHD
- Background: Caucasian Female, 3 months old
  - Had Surgery at birth to fix VSD (would lead to heart failure)
  - Not gaining weight
  - Premature infant
  - regurgitation through tricuspid valve
  - has a g-tube
  - Had a laryngeal plasty
- Procedure/Observation/Course of Action
  - EKG looks a lot better
  - Has a problem eating
  - Strider when upset
  - Listened to EKG has pulmonic valve stenosis
  - Listened via stethoscope to the PS