Select your preferred language here

We are just one dial away, make sure to give us a call or text us to 253-661-5939.

Pediatric Echocardiogram Services in Federal Way, WA

A Trusted Diagnostic Tool for Heart Health

At Pediatrician Specialty Practices, we understand the anxiety that can come with your child's heart health. Our clinic, led by Nauman Ahmad, MD, FAAP, offers state-of-the-art echocardiogram services in Federal Way and Puyallup, WA. Whether your child is at risk for heart problems or showing symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, our compassionate team is here to help diagnose and treat heart conditions early, reducing the risk of complications. Schedule an appointment today by phone or online.

What is an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a painless, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart and blood vessels. This test helps detect heart defects in babies, children, teens, and even adults, allowing us to pinpoint any abnormalities or issues with how the heart is functioning.

Heart-Related Problems: Though rare in children, heart issues such as congenital heart defects or arrhythmias can cause chest pain.

Respiratory Issues: Conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis can lead to chest discomfort.

Gastrointestinal Problems: Acid reflux, esophageal spasms, or difficulty swallowing can trigger chest pain.

Musculoskeletal Issues: Irritation of the chest muscles or ribs, often due to injury or strain, is another possible cause.

Viral or Bacterial Infections: Chest pain might accompany infections like colds, flu, or bronchitis.

Anxiety: Emotional distress or anxiety can cause chest pain or a sensation of tightness in the chest.

Finding the root cause of chest pain is crucial for determining the most effective treatment and ensuring your child’s health and well-being.

Why Might My Child Need an Echocardiogram?

Chest pain in children can be a sign of a serious medical issue, and early diagnosis is key to preventing potential complications. By addressing the problem early, we can help manage your child’s health and give you peace of mind.

If your child is experiencing chest pain, don’t wait. Book an appointment with Pediatrician Specialty Practices today by calling our office or using our convenient online scheduling tool.

Why Might My Child Need an Echocardiogram?

Echocardiograms are vital in diagnosing a range of heart conditions that could affect your child's well-being. Some of the issues it helps identify include:

Heart Defects: Congenital or structural problems in the heart.

Heart Valve Issues: Ensuring that the heart valves open and close correctly.

Chamber Abnormalities: Checking for changes in the size or shape of heart chambers.

Irregular Pumping Strength: Measuring how well the heart pumps blood.

Heart Muscle Damage: Detecting if the heart muscle has been injured due to illness or a defect.

Pre-Birth Heart Defects: Through fetal echocardiograms, we can evaluate heart health even before a child is born.

If your child has symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or unexplained fatigue, an echocardiogram can help us understand the root cause and take proactive steps toward treatment.

Echocardiogram FAQs

We offer multiple types of echocardiograms to best meet your child’s unique needs. The two most common are:

Transthoracic Echocardiogram: This standard echocardiogram involves placing a special device, called a transducer, against the skin of your child's chest. The transducer sends sound waves through the body to create clear pictures of the heart’s structure and activity.
Fetal Echocardiogram: A fetal echocardiogram helps assess heart health even before a baby is born. By placing a transducer on the mother’s abdomen, we can capture images of the developing heart to identify any potential issues early in pregnancy.

Echocardiograms are simple and quick, usually lasting less than an hour. No special preparation is required, and children can continue eating, drinking, and taking their usual medications beforehand. During the procedure:

Sticky electrodes are attached to your child’s skin to detect heart activity.
We apply a cool gel to the chest to improve the clarity of the images.
Your child may hear soft pulsing sounds as the device records their heart’s movements.

For younger children, bringing along a favorite toy or snack can make the experience more comfortable. Rest assured, our team strives to make the process stress-free and positive for both you and your child.

Once the echocardiogram is complete, you and your child can resume normal activities right away. Dr. Ahmad will review the results with you and explain any findings. If we detect a heart issue, we’ll discuss next steps, which may include additional diagnostic tests, lifestyle adjustments, medication, or referrals to specialists for procedures like surgery if necessary.

At Pediatrician Specialty Practices, we provide expert pediatric cardiology care in a compassionate, family-focused environment. Our goal is to offer peace of mind through precise diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. With years of experience and the latest diagnostic tools, Dr. Ahmad and his team are dedicated to ensuring your child’s heart health is in the best hands.

Affiliation with St. Francis Hospital

We are proud to be affiliated with St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, offering families access to high-quality, specialized care. St. Francis features a Family Birth Center dedicated to maternity and childbirth services, including comfortable birthing suites and a calm, supportive environment for new families. With options for both obstetrical and midwifery care, they provide comprehensive labor and delivery services, including high-risk pregnancy care and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). The center is supported by a Level II Special Care Nursery staffed by a specialized neonatology team, ensuring around-the-clock care for newborns in need. This partnership allows us to connect families with top-tier resources and care tailored to each stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) have recognized St. Francis Hospital for excellence in lactation care.

get in touch with us!

Ready to Schedule?

Don’t wait if your child is showing signs of a heart issue. Schedule an appointment today with Pediatrician Specialty Practices by phone or online to see if an echocardiogram is right for them.

Contact us today to make an appointment and ensure your child receives the care they deserve!

Federal Way Location:

32124 1st Ave S, Suite 100, Federal Way, WA 98003

You can either text or call us!

Phone: 253-661-5939 | Fax: 253-661-5929

Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

We help you keep your kids

healthy, so they can enjoy life.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT