Cardiac Center Resources

We know that caring for a child with a heart condition can be stressful. To help you find answers to your questions -- either before or after visiting the Cardiac Center -- we've created this list of educational health resources.
Smart phone with heart in speech bubble

Read our "18 Heart Health Facts For You" to learn more about congenital heart disease and heart health awareness.

Through the use of education, preparation, and developmentally appropriate activities, child life specialists at CHOP can help cardiac patients minimize stress and learn positive coping skills.

Learn about medical play and its therapeutic benefits for hospitalized children. Find links to age-specific information.

Play and recreation can be therapeutic by giving children the opportunity to explore, express and process their healthcare experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment.

For Parents and Caregivers

The teachers in the Hospital School Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia teach you everything you need to know about the ABCs of Hospital school.


Patient Family Education

This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides information on 504 plans, which ensure reasonable accommodations for children who qualify.


Resources

Learning how to drive is an important milestone for many teens and young adults. All new drivers need to know how their health conditions may affect their ability to drive safely. The effects of CHD on your everyday activities may transfer over to your driving abilities. Being aware of this can help increase your safety behind the wheel.


Podcasts


Preparing for Your Child's Procedure


Resources for Families


Videos

Heart to Heart conversations with the Cardiac Center and CHD experts - Caring for the Smallest Hearts

A mom and a pediatric cardiologist have a heart-to-heart about normalizing congenital birth defects and making care more accessible for families.

Heart to Heart conversations with the Cardiac Center and CHD experts - CHD After Childhood

A mom and an adult cardiologist have a heart-to-heart about the adjustments that pediatric CHD patients need to make as they reach adulthood.

Heart to Heart conversations with the Cardiac Center and CHD experts - Coping in the CICU

A mom and a cardiac intensivist have a heart-to-heart about their respective experiences with the CICU.

Heart to Heart conversations with the Cardiac Center and CHD experts - Going Home

A mom and a pediatric nurse have a heart-to-heart about the transition from hospital to home and steps taken along the way.

Heart to Heart conversations with the Cardiac Center and CHD experts - Heart Valves and the Future

A mom and a pediatric cardiologist have a heart-to-heart about their hopes of a brighter future for children with valve diseases.


Websites

AHA is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The American Organ Transplant Association helps to make organ transplant surgery, travel and aftercare available to patients and their families.

AST is an organization of transplant professionals dedicated to research, education, advocacy and patient care in transplantation science and medicine.