Cardiomyopathy and Heart Function Program

What we do

The Cardiomyopathy & Heart Function (CHF) program delivers both inpatient and outpatient care for children with heart muscle diseases like cardiomyopathies and for children with other conditions like congenital heart disease with poor heart function due to a “weak heart muscle”.

The CHF program was founded in 2005 and since then has been an integral section within the Division of Cardiology.

Our clinics

The CHF program runs a weekly interdisciplinary clinic as well as additional specialty clinics for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Friedreich Ataxia, and a regular cardiomyopathy screening clinic for children with affected family members. We also provide cardiac care for children with neuromuscular diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and for children who have undergone chemotherapy for childhood cancers. In addition, the program runs a robust home inotrope program and is responsible for the care of children requiring ventricular assist devices (Treatment of heart failure in children). The program also facilitates timely evaluation for heart transplantation in those with end-stage heart failure.

What to expect

Similar to other visits in the Cardiology Clinic, patients will often undergo testing like an echocardiogram and ECG. Once completed, the patient and their family will be seen by one of our nurse practitioners and/or physicians to get a detailed history and physical exam of their condition. The care team will then discuss the management options for children with changes in their heart function and determine the follow-up plan most appropriately suited for them. Some patients may need to have additional tests performed like blood work, Holter monitors, exercise testing, or advanced imaging like an MRI scan.

How to prepare

• Inform your child/teen about why they have a hospital appointment and tests they might expect
• Please bring copies of records from other care providers or genetic testing
• Due to the detailed nature of a Heart Function clinic visit, it is a good idea to plan for a long day and bring snacks/drinks
• You can access your child's hospital records through MyChart
• Review additional information about Coming for Clinic Appointments
• Review information on common cardiology tests
  • Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) 
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) test 
  • Treadmill test 
  • Holter monitors 
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)