Andreas C Petropoulos
Azerbaijan State Medical University, Azerbaijan
Title: Prevention of cardiac diseases. A new role for the primary care Pediatrician /Family Physician
Biography
Biography: Andreas C Petropoulos
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present to the primary care pediatricians and family practitioners the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutical measures they can apply to lift the burden of cardiac disease in childhood. Although preventive policies are long time applied both to the adult and the pediatric population the burden of cardiovascular diseases is increasing worldwide. Obesity and essential hypertension are the leading conditions in childhood. Do we know how to prevent or treat them? The use of pulse oximetry after the first 36 to 48 hours post birth increases the early detection of critical and cyanotic congenital heart diseases. When present in an initial assessment of a neonate re we aquatint with this screening method? Frequently the primary care providers are asked to evaluate a child before been involved in sports activities. What seems to be the best algorithm and when we shall reefer a child for a specialist consultation? Finally as populations are rapidly migrating around the world, is it time to remember rheumatic fever and its cardiac involvement? All above questions when answered will underline a new role for the primary care pediatrician and family physician.