Pediatric Cardiology

Why choose UCLA Health for pediatric cardiology?

At the UCLA Health Children’s Heart Center and UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, our Division of Pediatric Cardiology provides world-class, compassionate care for children of all ages — from newborns to adolescents. Whether your child is born with a heart condition or develops one later in life, our expert team delivers the highest level of care and support every step of the way.

What makes our program exceptional is:

• Comprehensive, expert care: Our internationally recognized team specializes in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of congenital and acquired heart conditions — from before birth through adolescence.
• Seamless transition to adult care: We collaborate closely with the Ahmanson/UCLA Health Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, ensuring smooth, continuous care as patients move into adulthood.
• Advanced technology and innovation: Our specialists use the latest tools — including a state-of-the-art pediatric cardiac catheterization lab and hybrid operating rooms — to perform both minimally invasive and complex open-heart procedures with precision and safety.

At the Children’s Heart Center, we provide expert, compassionate care for children of all ages with all types of heart conditions. We offer initial appointments within 24 hours of referral, and our services are located under one roof to streamline your child’s experience.

Our Pediatric Cardiology Programs and Services

The UCLA–CHOC Congenital Heart Program

Through the UCLA–CHOC Congenital Heart Program, teams from UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) have united to expand access to world-class pediatric cardiac care across Southern California. Together, we provide comprehensive care for congenital and acquired heart disease, combining our expertise in surgery, cardiology, and intensive care.

Our institutions are nationally recognized for clinical excellence, safety and quality — and our physicians collaborate on patient care, medical training and research to continually advance the field.

Adolescent Transitional Cardiology Care Program 

We empower adolescents and young adults to take an active role in their heart health. Through collaboration with the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, we ensure a smooth, coordinated transition from pediatric to adult care at one of the world’s leading ACHD programs.

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (CTICU)

Our state-of-the-art CTICU provides advanced critical care for infants and children with complex heart disease. We care for patients recovering from heart surgery and those requiring intensive medical management, supported by a specialized pediatric cardiac team 24/7.

Congenital 3D Printing

UCLA Congenital Heart 3D Printing Program creates detailed 3D heart models to help doctors plan surgeries and catheter procedures. Virtual and physical models let our team explore complex heart defects and test treatments before your child’s procedure.

Congenital Heart Surgery

Led by Glen Van Arsdell, MD, our surgical team provides the highest standard of congenital heart surgery for infants, children and adults — with outcomes that rank among the best in the world.

Echocardiography Laboratory

Our full-service echocardiography lab performs thousands of heart ultrasounds (echocardiograms) each year for newborns, children and young adults. These detailed imaging studies help us diagnose heart conditions quickly and accurately.

Electrophysiology Service

Our pediatric electrophysiologists diagnose and treat hundreds of children each year with irregular heart rhythms. Using minimally invasive catheter ablation procedures, pacemaker implantation and cardioverter-defibrillators, we help children and teens live active, healthy lives.

Exercise Testing

Our two cardiopulmonary exercise testing laboratories help evaluate a child’s heart function before and after surgery, as well as determine safe participation in sports or physical activity. Children as young as six years old can safely participate in these tests.

Fetal Cardiology Program

Expectant parents receive coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team that includes pediatric cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, neonatal intensive care (NICU), genetic counseling and maternal-fetal medicine. Families from across California and beyond trust us for expert prenatal diagnosis and personalized care planning.

Heart Transplant and Heart Failure Program

UCLA Health is a major referral center for pediatric heart transplants in the western United States. Since performing our first pediatric transplant in 1984, our surgeons have completed hundreds, with survival rates exceeding national averages.

Our Pediatric Heart Transplant Program is one of only a few in the nation dedicated solely to children — offers access to the latest treatments and clinical trials, preparing patients who may need heart transplantation in the future.

Heart Failure/Cardiomyopathy Program

Our Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Program is one of only a few in the nation dedicated exclusively to pediatric heart failure. Through advanced research and innovation, we offer the latest treatments and provide specialized care for patients who may eventually require a heart transplant.

Pediatric Lipid/Cholesterol Clinic

This clinic specializes in evaluating and managing children with high cholesterol and other lipid disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment help reduce long-term risks of cardiovascular disease.

Pediatric Marfan and Aortopathy Clinic

We provide comprehensive care for children and young adults with Marfan syndrome and related aortic conditions. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with specialists in ophthalmology, surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and orthopedics to deliver coordinated, expert care.

Pulmonary Hypertension Program

Since 2005, our specialists have provided exceptional care for children with pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). We offer advanced therapies and participate in ongoing clinical trials to ensure our patients benefit from the most current treatments available.