EXPERT
Dr. Michael C. Mattingly, M.D.
Cardiologist (Pediatric)
Dr. Michael C. Mattingly M.D. is a top Cardiologist (Pediatric) in Camp Lejeune, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Michael C. Mattingly M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Michael C. Mattingly M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Michael C. Mattingly M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Camp Lejeune, NC, Dr. Michael C. Mattingly M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Michael C. Mattingly, M.D.
- Camp Lejeune, NC
- Accepting new patients
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Is it risky for children to have open heart surgery?
The short answer is yes, it is risky for kids (and adults) to have open heart surgery. Many of the riskiest surgeries are required in the first months of life. If this is the first READ MORE
The short answer is yes, it is risky for kids (and adults) to have open heart surgery. Many of the riskiest surgeries are required in the first months of life. If this is the first heart surgery your son has needed, there’s a good chance that it is not one of the more complicated procedures that congenital heart surgeons perform. Some of the factors that affect outcomes include the particular heart defect and surgery needed, your son’s overall health, and the institution and surgeon that will be performing the operation. You should discuss these issues with your son’s pediatric cardiologist. Ask about different institutions in your area their outcomes. You can find outcomes for most surgical centers at https://publicreporting.sts.org/chsd. Just remember that the outcomes you see there are averaged over the last 4 years.
There is a lot of information to digest when it comes to congenital heart surgery. Your pediatric cardiologist expects you to have lots of questions and concerns, and they will help you along the way. There are also excellent support groups on the internet and Facebook.
There is a lot of information to digest when it comes to congenital heart surgery. Your pediatric cardiologist expects you to have lots of questions and concerns, and they will help you along the way. There are also excellent support groups on the internet and Facebook.
Does heart rate increase when exposed to the sun?
Our heart and brain are very good at changing heart rate and blood pressure to adjust to our body’s needs. When your child is outside playing, his muscles are being used more and READ MORE
Our heart and brain are very good at changing heart rate and blood pressure to adjust to our body’s needs. When your child is outside playing, his muscles are being used more and so need more oxygen and nutrients to work effectively. His heart rate increases in response to this increased demand. Also, particularly if it is hot, he may be sweating and losing water from his body. This can cause a slight reduction in his blood volume, which also results in the heart beating faster. After he stops playing, his heart rate gradually returns to normal. This may take 5-10 minutes and sometimes longer, particularly if he is dehydrated. These are all normal responses to exercise. He may even feel the fast heart rate, which is also normal as long as it is not unusual or distressing. Concerning signs that deserve medical evaluation include chest pain, dizziness, uncomfortable palpitations (feeling the heart beat), and fainting that occur during exercise. So, the sun itself won’t cause a fast heartbeat, but playing in the sun, particularly if a bit dehydrated, will definitely do it.
What blood pressure is high for children?
New blood pressure guidelines for children were published by the American Academy of Pediatrics last year and are based on age, gender, and height. At age 13y and older, the pediatric READ MORE
New blood pressure guidelines for children were published by the American Academy of Pediatrics last year and are based on age, gender, and height. At age 13y and older, the pediatric normal values are the same as adults, and any measurement >120/80 is considered elevated. Repeated measurements if diet and exercise do not bring it down. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (wearing a cuff for 24 hours that takes measurements every 15 minutes) may give a more precise diagnosis, especially if “white coat”hypertension is suspected.
Your daughter may have normal values slightly lower than the ones I mentioned depending on her height, but it will be pretty close. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle are the best ways to fend off hypertension.
Your daughter may have normal values slightly lower than the ones I mentioned depending on her height, but it will be pretty close. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle are the best ways to fend off hypertension.
After a heart surgery, when can my son start playing again?
The typical period of limited activity following a sternotomy (incision in the center of the chest) is 6-8 weeks. After that, the bone has usually healed sufficiently to safely READ MORE
The typical period of limited activity following a sternotomy (incision in the center of the chest) is 6-8 weeks. After that, the bone has usually healed sufficiently to safely resume normal daily activities, including play.
More specific recommendations about rigorous activity and competitive sports depend on a few factors, such as your son’s age, the type of heart condition he has, and the outcome of the surgery (Is the electrical system and squeeze of the heart normal? Are there any significant blockages or leaks in the heart? Is there excess fluid around the heart? Are there concerns that the incision hasn’t healed well or could be infected? Are there concerns about enlarged blood vessels or coronary artery narrowing? Are pressures in the heart and lung blood vessels normal?) These are best addressed by his cardiologist, but if it was repair of a single hole in his heart, chances are good that he’ll be OK for unrestricted activity after the 8 week point.
Finally, many children get lots of extra energy after holes in their hearts are fixed. Still, after recouparating from a major surgery and hospital stay, it may take some time for his endurance to return. Be sure to let his cardiologist know if he seems to be in pain, seems lethargic, has other symptoms he tells you about or you can see, or is just not acting himself.
Here’s to a speedy and complete recovery for him!
More specific recommendations about rigorous activity and competitive sports depend on a few factors, such as your son’s age, the type of heart condition he has, and the outcome of the surgery (Is the electrical system and squeeze of the heart normal? Are there any significant blockages or leaks in the heart? Is there excess fluid around the heart? Are there concerns that the incision hasn’t healed well or could be infected? Are there concerns about enlarged blood vessels or coronary artery narrowing? Are pressures in the heart and lung blood vessels normal?) These are best addressed by his cardiologist, but if it was repair of a single hole in his heart, chances are good that he’ll be OK for unrestricted activity after the 8 week point.
Finally, many children get lots of extra energy after holes in their hearts are fixed. Still, after recouparating from a major surgery and hospital stay, it may take some time for his endurance to return. Be sure to let his cardiologist know if he seems to be in pain, seems lethargic, has other symptoms he tells you about or you can see, or is just not acting himself.
Here’s to a speedy and complete recovery for him!
