Family Guide to Pediatric Cardiology

Heart Institute at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

The staff at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh's Heart Institute knows it's hard to learn your child has a heart problem.

Staying in the hospital and going through treatment can be stressful for children. This can also be a confusing and frightening time for the whole family.

We hope the following will provide some peace of mind as you begin your journey with us:

• About the Heart — find diagrams of how the heart works and learn about heart disease in children.
• Medications for Heart Problems — see these tips for giving medicine to your child.
• Appointments at the Heart Institute — learn what to expect at your child's office visits and during his or her stay at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
• Other Health Concerns — find ways to help your child adopt healthy habits and avoid any future health issues.
• Family Support at the Heart Institute — see these resources to help you talk about and cope with your child's heart disease.

Beads of Courage^® Program

Beads of Courage is a program that awards our brave Heart Institute patients. Each time they complete a treatment milestone, they receive a bead to place on a necklace.

Initially created to help children endure cancer treatment, the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital was the first heart program in the country to adopt Beads of Courage to support our patients.

Reading Corner

You and your child may want to read about illness and being in the hospital.

There are many engaging books and pamphlets that can help you learn more about heart disease.

To find the reading materials best suited to your needs and questions, talk to:

• Your local librarian.
• The Child Life team at UPMC Children’s.
• The staff at Moulis Children’s Library and Family Resource Center at Children’s.