Cardiac care for children and young people

The UK’s No.1* for private cardiac care
  • ✔ 99% success rate across all cardiac surgery

  • ✔ 98% of patients would recommend us to friends and family

  • ✔ The only UK private hospital specialising in congenital heart treatment for children

Enquiries and appointments

Male doctor focused listening to young patient’s lungs 2053350238.jpg

Cardiac care for children and young people at HCA UK

Why choose us?

At HCA UK, we provide expert care for babies and children with heart conditions, both congenital and acquired. This care is delivered at our dedicated unit, at The Portland Hospital in London, which has been commended by the Care Quality Commission for its patient-centred care and compassionate staff.

Your child will receive expert treatment from some of the world's leading paediatric cardiac specialists in state-of-the-art facilities. But we also go out of our way to give them a home away from home, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in which they can thrive. 

Congenital heart condition is a term used to describe structural problems with the heart that a child is born with. It’s a common condition, affecting up to nine in every 1,000 babies in the UK. Many of these can now be treated using minimally invasive and non-surgical procedures.

Acquired heart conditions are those conditions that develop after birth. These are often caused by infections, inflammation, or other illnesses. Examples include rheumatic heart disease, which can lead to mitral valve stenosis, or Kawasaki disease.

Cardiac symptoms in children are varied and can often be caused by other, unrelated, issues. However, they can include:

• Chest pains
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the tummy, feet or ankles


If you’re worried about your child’s symptoms, you can book same-day and next-day private consultant appointments.

The Portland Hospital_Nov 23_146.jpg

Next day appointments

Access to a consultant within 24 hours.*

State-of-the-art diagnostics

With results in as little as 48 hours.*

Specialist treatment for complex conditions

Our complete breadth of expertise, focused on your child.

Children’s cardiac conditions at HCA UK

Dedicated support for complex conditions

At HCA UK, your child or young person will be cared for by a dedicated team of paediatric cardiology specialists, including some of the world's leading consultants clinical nurse specialists. Along with our vital support staff, they’re there at all times, so your child gets the help they need, when they need it, no matter how complex their case.  


Some of the conditions we treat include: 

ECG on a young person 1308472034.jpg

Cardiac arrhythmia

An irregular or abnormally fast or slow heartbeat is a common condition and often highly treatable or manageable.
Smiling girl having an appointment with her mother at pediatricians 1535569562.jpg

Rheumatic fever

This rare complication can develop after a bacterial throat infection and lead to heart problems. If you’re worried, our cardiology experts can help.
Male pediatrician checking girl

Kawasaki disease

This rare disease is difficult to diagnose, but treatable with medicine. If left, it can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels, especially in very young children. 
Female pediatrician listens to young patient's heartbeat 637014216.jpg

Ebstein's anomaly

If you’re worried your child has this rare heart defect, our cardiology experts can help with expert diagnosis and a wide range of treatments.
Chest pain 1466533872.jpg

Patent foramen ovale (hole in the heart)

This condition occurs when a naturally occurring hole in the heart fails to close after birth. Our paediatric cardiology specialists can treat your child with closure surgery.
Listening to heartbeat 1614462753.jpg

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

You’ll have access to cardiac experts who specialise in treating this serious congenital heart condition that can cause a very rapid heart rate. 

Children’s cardiac diagnosis and treatment

Getting your child the treatment they need

Your child will have access to the latest diagnostic technology and specialised facilities during their time with us. These include state-of-the-art operating theatres, catheter and electrophysiology laboratories, and a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Electrophysiology studies (EPS)  help us to map electrical activity in the heart to find the source of arrhythmias and determine the best treatment for you child. Meanwhile, The Harley Street Clinic can offer highly-specialised, low-dose radiation scans for children with congenital heart conditions.

Our leading consultants offer a wide range of pioneering treatments, including:

  • Atrial septal defect closure
  • Mitral valve repair or replacement
  • Heart transplant
  • Pulmonary valvotomy
  • Treatment of aortic valve stenosis
  • Ventricular septal defect closure
ECG monitor on a child 1502466806.jpg

Providing a positive experience

Your child’s stay with us

When your child needs to spend time in hospital, it can be an emotional and difficult time for the whole family. They need to feel safe and secure, and you need to know they’re getting dedicated and fully personalised medical care and attention.  


At HCA UK, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate care in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s one of the ways we can help to reduce any anxiety for your child and support their recovery. 


That means a dedicated team of paediatric experts, including leading consultants, surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, as well as support staff, all there for your child at all times, so they get the help they need, when they need it. 

Rehab82.jpg

Play, pet and music therapy

Our dedicated play specialists will help build your child's confidence. Find out more about the work they do, and how they keep their patients in good spirits here.

Therapy of little child and pregnant mother  1377530645.jpg

Educational specialists

London Bridge Hospital _Sept 23_218.jpg

Specially designed menus

The Portland Hospital_Nov 23_107.jpg

State-of-the-art treatment

The Portland Hospital, Standard Room,  Feb 21

Comfortable rooms

Where can my child get cardiac treatment? 

The Portland Hospital is the only independent hospital in the UK specialising in paediatric congenital heart treatments, while The Harley Street Clinic offers highly-specialised, low-dose radiation scans for paediatric patients with congenital heart conditions.

The Portland Hospital_Nov 23_069.jpg

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
THSC 0722_05

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street  W1G 8BJ London

Accessing private health care

building_2_external_river_night_09_2017_LBH

Self-pay

You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment for your child and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.

And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.

Book an appointment

Patient stories

Hear from past patients about their experience

My mum and I were overwhelmed with the level of care I received at The Portland Hospital and The Harley Street Clinic. We felt so safe and cared for.

Alexs story.jpg
Alex
HCA Healthcare UK patient

* Based on national private cardiac volumes. Data source: Private Health Information Network, March 2024

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.