This guide was developed by heart families and heart professionals for new heart families.
Table of Contents
Preface: You Are Not Alone
Chapter 1: Coping
- Accepting your feelings
- Talking about your feelings
- Telling your family and friends
- Building your support team
- Dealing with stress
Chapter 2: Navigating
Chapter 3: Learning
- Understanding the cardiovascular system
- Understanding congenital heart disease
- Understanding congestive heart failure
- Understanding cyanosis
- Understanding medications
- Finding trustworthy online resources
Chapter 4: Preparing
Appendix A: Diagnostic Tests
- Bloodwork
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Heart catheterization
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Oxygen saturation test
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Appendix B: Forms
- A Preparation Guide for Calling with Concerns about Your Child’s Health
- My Child’s Important Medical Information
- My Child’s Medications List