Health Check-Up Program for Little Hearts

About this program

The children’s heart check-up at Acibadem — the Health Check-Up Program for Little Hearts — is a focused cardiac assessment for ages 5 to 17: 10 tests and assessments led by a paediatric cardiologist at a JCI-accredited hospital in Istanbul.

The Health Check-Up Program for Little Hearts is a focused cardiac assessment for children and young people aged 5 to 17. It centres on a paediatric cardiology examination and a resting ECG, with echocardiography performed on the physician’s recommendation, a two-view chest X-ray and a six-test laboratory panel — complete blood count, fasting glucose, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, creatinine and AST.

Most children who have this program are well; the aim is to detect a heart murmur, a rhythm abnormality or a structural condition early, and to reassure parents when everything is normal. It is also the appropriate assessment before a child starts competitive sport, and for children with a family history of early heart disease or inherited cholesterol problems.

What the children’s heart check-up looks for

Every item has a purpose. This is what each part of the day is looking for — in the words we would use to explain it to you at the final review.

Specialist examinations

The paediatric cardiology examination, with an ECG and, on the physician’s recommendation, echocardiography, assesses heart rhythm, murmurs and heart structure — the main tools for detecting congenital or acquired heart conditions in childhood.

Imaging

A chest X-ray gives a baseline view of the lungs and the heart silhouette.

Heart

A resting ECG records heart rhythm and electrical conduction. Echocardiography images the heart’s chambers, valves and pumping function.

Laboratory panel (6 tests)

A complete blood count screens for anaemia, infection and abnormalities of the blood cells. Sugar metabolism is assessed with fasting glucose, the basis for detecting pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes early. The lipid profile (total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) is the core of cardiovascular risk assessment.

Liver enzymes (AST) look for fatty liver, medication effects or viral injury before any symptoms appear. Kidney function (creatinine) screens for early kidney disease and urinary infection.

Who should consider the children’s heart check-up

• Children with a heart murmur, palpitations, fainting, chest pain on exertion or unexplained tiredness.
• Children starting competitive sport, where a cardiac screening is commonly requested.
• Families with a history of congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, sudden cardiac death at a young age or familial high cholesterol.

Paediatric check-ups are usually repeated yearly; the team recommends the interval that suits your child’s age and results.

How it compares with the other programs

For a broader paediatric overview — growth, nutrition, vision, hearing and dental health — My Child’s Health Check-Up Program is the wider program; the two can be combined in one visit.

Related programs: My Child’s Health Check-Up Program, Children’s Eye Health Check-Up Program — or browse all check-up packages and the Check-Up unit.

How long it takes

Plan for one to three hours. A coordinator plans the sequence — laboratory first while you are fasting, then imaging and examinations — so that you move through the hospital without waiting, and stays reachable throughout the visit.

How to prepare

• Fasting. Do not eat for eight to ten hours before the appointment (an early start is planned so that blood is taken first and your child can have breakfast straight afterwards). Plain water is usually allowed — confirm this with the team when your appointment is confirmed.
• For your child. Bring the vaccination record and any growth or school health records. A parent or guardian stays with the child throughout; a favourite snack for after the blood test helps.
• Records and medicines. Bring previous reports, imaging and a complete list of your medicines. Take your usual medication unless the team tells you otherwise when confirming the appointment.

Results, report and follow-up

The large majority of laboratory results are ready the same day and are reviewed with you by the paediatric team before you leave; a written report in English follows, together with digital copies of your images and reports.

If a result needs a closer look, the relevant specialist is in the same hospital: additional imaging, a biopsy or a consultation can usually be arranged within days, and you decide how to proceed with the full picture in hand. Nothing in a check-up replaces care for existing symptoms — if you have a specific complaint, tell the team so the right specialist sees you first.

Price and what is included

Pricing for the Health Check-Up Program for Little Hearts is confirmed as a written quote before you commit, in your preferred currency. The quote covers every examination, test and imaging study listed on this page, the physician review, the written report in English, hospital coordination and interpreter support.

Not included are travel and accommodation, tests the physician recommends in addition to the program, and any treatment that follows from a finding — each is quoted separately before it is performed.

Why have the children’s heart check-up at Acibadem

Acibadem Healthcare Group runs JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul with their own laboratories, imaging centres and specialist departments under one roof — which is what makes a complete program possible in a single visit, and what makes follow-up simple when a finding needs one. International patients are supported by a dedicated team in 25 languages, from the written quote before travel to the report after it.

More questions about the children’s heart check-up

Is echocardiography always performed?

It is performed on the paediatric cardiologist’s recommendation, after the examination and ECG. When it is indicated, it is done the same day; it is painless and takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Does my child need to fast?

Yes, for the fasting glucose and lipid tests — usually eight hours overnight. Blood is taken first thing so that breakfast follows straight away.

How long does the visit take?

Typically two to three hours, depending on whether echocardiography is performed.

This page describes the content of a preventive program and is not medical advice. Screening tests have limits: a normal result lowers, but does not remove, the possibility of disease, and some findings need further tests to clarify. Discuss your individual situation with a physician.