Cardiovascular Program
Cardiovascular Program
Cardiovascular Program & The Children’s Heart Clinic
As Minnesota’s largest pediatric cardiology program, Children’s Minnesota provides complete heart care for kids—from before birth through adulthood. Our team of pediatric heart experts treats all types of congenital heart conditions, offering everything from fetal and routine cardiology to advanced heart surgery. We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes and compassionate care for every child and family.
Complete pediatric heart care in one place
Our program brings together inpatient care at the Edward J. Phillips Cardiovascular Care Center and in collaboration with The Children’s Heart Clinic in Minneapolis, provides outpatient services. We also offer outreach clinics across the Twin Cities and regional locations, ensuring families have access to expert heart care close to home. View all our locations.
Get a second opinion on a heart condition
When you’re seeking a second opinion, experts at the Children’s Heart Clinic can help.
Our cardiovascular intensive care unit
Our spacious cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), provides comfort with child-friendly rooms and skilled care team will be ready when you arrive. We know a heart condition can feel overwhelming, so we focus on transparency and collaboration—because you know your child best.
Why choose us for pediatric cardiology
Advanced heart surgery & cardiac catheterization interventions: As the upper Midwest’s largest pediatric heart surgery program, we perform cutting-edge procedures for even the most complex conditions. This year alone, we completed more than 400 heart surgeries.
Supporting your child’s development: We’re part of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative, working to ensure every child with heart disease gets the best support for learning and development.
Second opinions for peace of mind: A heart diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our pediatric cardiology experts provide second opinions without requiring you to transfer care. Helping you can feel confident about your child’s treatment plan.
Mayo Clinic – Children’s Minnesota Cardiovascular Collaborative: We partner with Mayo Clinic to deliver nationally recognized pediatric cardiology and heart surgery care. Together, we expand services and advance research to give kids the best outcomes.
Part of the HLHS Consortium: We’re part of national and international collaboratives focused on improving care and finding new treatments for congenital heart conditions, including hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other congenital heart defects—bringing breakthroughs to families faster.
Our outlook for pediatric cardiovascular research
Our commitment extends to ongoing research and advancements in cardiovascular disorder treatments. We are dedicated to improving the future of pediatric cardiac care through cutting-edge research initiatives.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about our cardiovascular program
What is a pediatric cardiologist?
Pediatric cardiologists at Children’s Minnesota are doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating heart problems in children before they are born, through childhood and into adulthood. Your child may need to see one of our cardiologists if they were born with congenital heart disease or develop a heart condition after birth. Our team will create individualize treatment plans that work with your family and give your child the care they need.
What can I expect from my first visit to The Children's Heart Clinic?
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit for check-in. We ask that you bring your insurance card and photo ID to every visit for us to verify.
In general, the first Children’s Heart Clinic visit takes about two and a half hours. A parent or guardian and child will meet with the pediatric cardiologist. The cardiologist will assess the child’s health, ask about any symptoms the child is having and go over the results of any tests.
Your cardiologist may review your previous records and order an echocardiogram (echo) or electrocardiogram (EKG) to complete your evaluation.
What questions should I ask my pediatric cardiologist?
Prepare a list of topics or concerns you have for the doctor ahead of time, be honest and open about your child’s health and behavior and ask for clarification or additional information as needed. Here are a range of questions worth considering.
- What are the potential risks of the condition my child was diagnosed with?
- Are there lifestyle changes we need to make at home to support our child’s heart health?
- How often will my child need follow-up appointments with the cardiologist?
- Can my child participate in sports and physical activities with a cardiovascular condition?
- What is the long-term outlook for my child’s cardiovascular condition?
- How can I advocate for my child in school?
- How will my child’s quality of life change?
- If this is a trial procedure, why would you choose this one over another one?
What are common ways to diagnose a pediatric cardiovascular condition?
Pediatric cardiovascular conditions are often diagnosed through a combination of medical history reviews, physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (EKGs) and imaging studies. Your child’s cardiologist will discuss the diagnostic process with you and tailor it to your child’s specific needs.
How can I support my child's emotional well-being throughout the treatment process?
A pediatric cardiovascular diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. It’s essential to provide a supportive environment, encourage open communication and seek professional counseling if needed.
The Children’s Minnesota child life specialists are here to help. They are trained to partner with the whole family to promote healthy methods of emotional expression, encouraging patients to channel their feelings through play, dialogue, arts, crafts, music and other forms of expression.
Plus, our clinical social services team assists families with the physical, emotional and social issues and concerns that exist during a hospitalization.
At Children’s Minnesota, we have numerous resources available, including support groups, counseling services and educational materials. Learn more about our comprehensive family services.
How can I advocate for my child within the health care system and at school?
Effective advocacy involves communication with health care providers, educators and other relevant stakeholders. Understanding your child’s rights, being informed about their condition and maintaining open lines of communication with all involved parties are essential components of effective advocacy, that is why we have the Children’s Minnesota Advocacy Network – a team that calls attention to health and health care issues that impact children and their families.
In addition, the Children’s Minnesota cardiovascular program started Project ADAM Minnesota in 2021. Project ADAM is a national program to help prepare schools to respond to kid’s cardiac arrest.
What advancements are there in pediatric cardiovascular research, and how might they impact my child's treatment in the future?
Ongoing research in pediatric cardiovascular medicine continues to bring forth advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and overall care. While not every new development may directly impact your child immediately, staying informed about research can help you and your health care team make informed decisions about your child’s care over time. Learn more about our cardiovascular research and clinical trials.
Patient stories
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