Family Guide to Your Child's Heart Care at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

It's hard to learn your child has a heart problem.

Staying in the hospital and going through treatment can be stressful for kids. It can also be a confusing and scary time for the whole family.

The staff at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Heart Institute hopes our Family Guide will provide some peace of mind.

What's in the Guide to Your Child's Heart Care?

• About the Heart and Heart Disease in Children — find diagrams of how the heart works and learn about your child's heart disease.
• Medicine for Your Child's Heart Problem — see tips for giving medicine to your child.
• Appointments at the Heart Institute — learn what to expect at your child's office visits and what tests they may need. And if your child needs to stay in the hospital, we can help you get ready before and after.
• Diet and Healthy Living — find ways to help your child adopt healthy habits and avoid future health issues.
• Other Health Concerns — learn about dental health, birth control, and other health issues kids with severe heart disease might face.
• Family Support at the Heart Institute — see these resources to help you talk about and cope with your child's heart disease.

Kids with Heart Disease Can Have Fun Too

The Heart Institute at UPMC Children's Hospital offers you and your child fun outreach programs, such as:

• The Dr. Bill Neches Heart Camp for Kids, ages 8 to 16.
• Annual Heart Institute Family Picnic.
• Beads of Courage® Program.