Children may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke later in life if there is a family history of early coronary artery disease. Other conditions that may predispose them to heart disease include diabetes, renal disease and Kawasaki disease. Obesity is also a risk factor and can cause hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) or hypertension (high blood pressure) in children and teens.

In the Preventive Cardiology program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s in St. Petersburg, Florida, we provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that focuses on treating children and teens holistically. We manage their condition and symptoms and provide guidance so families can make lifestyle changes that will support their child’s health long-term.

Why Choose Johns Hopkins All Children’s

Our team includes board-certified pediatric cardiologists with experience treating heart disease in children of all ages, and an exercise physiologist who works with patients to provide exercise recommendations that meet their needs.

Patients are also referred to other specialists throughout the hospital as needed, including endocrinologists, nutritionists, providers in the Healthy Weight Initiative, and providers in the Center for Behavioral Health for conditions such as anxiety or depression.

What to Expect

During your child’s first visit with our program, your child will have a physical exam and we will obtain a thorough medical history. Most patients have follow-up visits every three months.

Treatment will depend on your child’s condition and individual needs. Treatment for most patients will include dietary and lifestyle changes, and patients are followed with regular blood tests to monitor their health.

Some children may meet the criteria for medication to manage their condition, in the case of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) for example. We prescribe medication with close monitoring as needed. Additional testing, such as echocardiograms, are also done as needed.