Cardiac Neuromuscular Disorders
Managing Heart Issues Related to Neuromuscular Disorders
Children with neuromuscular disorders like muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy can have problems in the heart muscles as well as the nerves and skeletal muscles as their disease progresses. These problems can affect the heart’s function and rhythm, and lead to heart failure.
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Children’s heart specialists partner closely with your child’s neuromuscular team to provide complete care. We work to preserve your child’s heart function and rhythm for as long as possible and improve quality of life, throughout their life.Â
As part of award-winning care at heart centers in Delaware and Florida, your child gets our very best. We screen early for signs of cardiovascular disease so we can manage problems sooner, for the best possible results. We customize plans to treat heart-related issues over the long-term.Â
We have vast experience and expertise in cardiac neuromuscular disorders in children. We offer the full range of care and support for the whole family. Â
Our Services
We partner with neurologists, orthopedics and pulmonologists to provide complete care for kids with neuromuscular disorders. Our team works closely to develop a treatment plan for your child’s healthiest heart. Care includes:Â
- Advanced heart imaging and diagnostics including electrocardiography (EKG), echocardiography, heart CT and MRI and more
- Ongoing arrhythmia management from a team that specializes in detecting and treating heart rhythm disorders, including pacemakers and implanted devices
- Cardiothoracic surgery performed by recognized experts, like heart valve surgery, ventricular assist devices and heart transplant (in Delaware)
- Heart failure and cardiomyopathy program that includes a whole team working together for your child’s best life
- Cardiac critical care and inpatient heart care focused solely on kids with heart conditions
- Cardiac psychology support specific to the special needs of kids at risk for heart disease, and families
- Support services that involve the family from the start, including social work, Child Life, creative therapies, lodging at nearby Ronald McDonald Houses and more
Two Leading Pediatric Heart Centers
Our heart centers offer highly advanced, integrated care just for kids and young adults with congenital heart disease. Learn about our focused programs, innovative research and exceptional outcomes. Â
Cardiomyopathy, or disease of the heart muscle, is common in kids with neuromuscular disorders. Learn more from the experts at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ KidsHealth®.
Heart failure is when the heart doesn’t pump blood like it should. Find out how it’s treated.Â
Caring for a child with complex health conditions isn’t easy. Learn how to cope and get support for the whole family.
- Vea
- Lucy
- Capucine
Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Related Specialties & Programs
Helping Children With Neuromuscular Disorders Manage Heart Issues
The risk of heart issues for children with neuromuscular disorders depends on the diagnosis and disease progression. The best outcomes come from early detection and protective care.
°Â±ð’r±ð experts in pediatric heart disease. We know what to look for and can start treatment right away when there’s an issue.Â
°Â±ð’r±ð here for your family for the long-term, improving quality of life with proactive testing and treatment.
Your child gets team-based care with nationally recognized experts in neurology, orthopedics pulmonology and cardiology.
Meet the Team
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ cardiac neuromuscular disorders teams are experienced and focused on your child's healthiest future. Meet them now.Â
-
Aryaz Sheybani, MD
Cardiology Medical Director, Heart Transplant ProgramPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Takeshi Tsuda, MD
Cardiology Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation & Fitness, Director, Cardio-Oncology Professor of Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
-
Katherine T. Braley, MD
Cardiology Medical Director, Fetal Heart Program, Director of Fetal EchocardiographyPrimary Office
Orlando, FL -
Bahram Kakavand, MD
Cardiology Director, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Lab-OrlandoPrimary Office
Orlando, FL
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.