Caring for Little Hearts

This is an image of a happy mom and toddler girl smiling and looking out a window.

Why Choose Children’s Hearts?

Discover what sets us apart in pediatric cardiology. Our dedication to excellence ensures that your child receives the best possible care.

Expert Medical Team

Led by Dr. Casilda Hermo, our experienced professionals are committed to delivering the best heart care possible for your child. Quality and compassion are our priorities.

Family-Centered Approach

We believe in involving families in the care process, ensuring that both patients and parents feel supported and informed throughout every step of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Children’s Hearts, we are motivated by our commitment to the well-being of every child. We believe in treating each patient with kindness, respect, and empathy, ensuring a welcoming environment for both patients and families. Our principles reflect our dedication to excellence, teamwork, and the pursuit of innovative healthcare solutions.

We have proudly served thousands of families throughout Nashville and the surrounding areas. Our patients span a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, each receiving personalized care tailored to their individual needs. Our strong relationships with families are the cornerstone of our practice.

What is a heart murmur, and what should I expect with my visit?

A murmur is a sound heard by the stethoscope. Sometimes, murmurs represent the normal working of the heart, but sometimes they can represent a problem like a hole or valve narrowing. Dr. Hermo and her team may order testing based on the patient’s age, history or exam. Dr. Hermo will perform a careful examination and likely an (ECG). Additional testing, such as an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart), may be performed based on the patient’s symptoms, history, the exam or the ECG results.

What should I expect during my visit for chest pain?

You will be asked several questions about your chest pain. Does it occur during exercise? Does it occur while eating or when laying down? How often does it happen? Is there anything that makes it better? Dr. Hermo may recommend testing, such as:

•An electrocardiogram (ECG)
•An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart)
•A cardiac stress test (an exercise test done on a treadmill or stationary bicycle)

What are palpitations, and what should I expect during my visit?

If your child’s heart is pounding or racing, he or she may be experiencing palpitations. This sensation can be felt in the chest, throat or neck. Dr. Hermo and her team will ask about when the palpitations happen and how often they occur. They will ask whether the symptoms are with exercise, without exercise or both. They may do testing, such as:

•An electrocardiogram (ECG)
•An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart)
•A holter monitor (a continuous rhythm recorder worn for one to seven days)
•An event monitor (a rhythm recorder worn for a month that is activated by the patient during symptoms)
•A cardiac stress test (an exercise test done on a treadmill or stationary bicycle)

What should I expect during my visit for syncope (passing out)?

There are many reasons for passing out. Dr. Hermo and her team will ask about what the patient was doing when they passed out and consider some common causes (e.g., dehydration, illness, seeing blood, standing up too quickly ). They will ask about how the patient felt before passing out and whether the child has passed out during or after exercise. They will ask about your family history. They may do testing, such as:

•An electrocardiogram (ECG)
•An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart)
•A cardiac stress test (an exercise test done on a treadmill or stationary bicycle)

What should I expect during my visit for high blood pressure?

Dr. Hermo and her team will check height, weight and blood pressure. They may do testing, such as:

•An electrocardiogram (ECG)
•An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart)

What should I expect during my visit for high cholesterol?

Dr. Hermo and her team will check height, weight and blood pressure. They will ask about family history and the patient’s diet and exercise habits. They will review the laboratory results and make recommendations based on age, the exam, family history and medical history. It would be helpful to know about close relatives with early-onset heart disease (before age 55 in males and 65 in females).

Join Our Family of Patients

At Children’s Hearts Nashville, we are eager to partner with you in your child’s health journey. Schedule your visit today!

Call for a Consultation Today