Christopher Collin Hayes, DO Pediatric Cardiology in Brick, NJ

I am a pediatric cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects and heart arrhythmias in infants, children, and adolescents. In addition, I have specialized training in fetal cardiology, where I perform and interpret fetal echocardiograms to guide management prior to delivery.

When surgery is necessary, I oversee both preoperative and postoperative care. Common reasons for referrals include pediatric chest pain, palpitations, syncope, and abnormal findings on fetal anatomy scans. I find great fulfillment in educating patients and their families about the heart and cardiovascular system through a shared decision-making approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does a pediatric cardiologist do?

A pediatric cardiologist is a specialized pediatrician trained to diagnose and treat heart problems in children. This includes fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents. They treat congenital heart defects (conditions children are born with) as well as acquired heart conditions (conditions that develop later in childhood).

What conditions and symptoms do you evaluate?

I evaluate patients with heart murmurs, syncope with exercise, and others with a family history of congenital heart disease. I have a specific interest in managing patients with a bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse. Symptoms may range from having no symptoms at all to shortness of breath, palpitations, and syncope (fainting). Common reasons for a referral also include pediatric chest pain and an abnormal fetal anatomy scan.

What should I expect at our first visit?

I will conduct a thorough family and medical history assessment and perform a physical exam, focusing closely on your child's heart and lungs. Depending on the reason for the visit, I may also perform non-invasive tests on the same day, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or an echocardiogram.

What are your clinical interests?

I enjoy evaluating new patients with heart murmurs, syncope with exercise, and others with a family history of congenital heart disease. I have a specific interest in managing patients with a bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse. Symptoms may range from having no symptoms to having shortness of breath, palpitations, and syncope.

How can parents help keep their child with a heart condition healthy?

Continue to see your general pediatrician and stay up to date with vaccines. Children with congenital heart defects are more susceptible to illnesses that can be prevented with vaccines and close monitoring with your general pediatrician. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and an active lifestyle is important for any child and this is especially true for children with congenital heart defects. If applicable, ensure you are up to date with your child’s exercise precautions and request an action plan for home and school.