Thank you for choosing PM Kidz!
Welcome to the Healthy Heart Center at PM Kidz, where we offer a range of cardiology services, weight management, nutrition counseling, and more!
Wali Gauvin, MD
Pediatric cardiologist
At PM Kidz Healthy Heart Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating congenital and acquired heart diseases for pediatric and young adult patients.
Our priority is delivering exceptional care while ensuring our patients and their families feel comfortable throughout their visit. We understand that visiting a pediatric cardiologist can be daunting, so our dedicated staff provides extra care and attention to create a supportive environment.
Under the direction of Dr. Wali Gauvin, a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, our goal is to provide the highest quality of pediatric cardiac care and educate families comprehensively.
Who should see a pediatric cardiologist?
A patient might be referred to a pediatric cardiologist for various reasons, including:
- Concerning physical exam findings like heart murmurs, elevated blood pressure, or cyanosis (bluish-purple hue to the skin).
- Family history of congenital heart disease or sudden death at a young age among parents or siblings.
- Symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, heart palpitations, or difficulty breathing.
- Abnormal heart rate - whether slow, rapid, or irregular.
- Abnormal lab results like elevated cholesterol or triglycerides.
- Suspected or diagnosed conditions that could affect the heart, such as Marfan's syndrome or Kawasaki Disease.
- Ultrasound abnormalities detected during pregnancy.
What you can expect?
Visiting a cardiologist can be stressful for families. At PM Kidz Healthy Heart Center, we strive to ensure you and your family feel confident, safe, and comfortable throughout your visit.
Here’s what to expect during your visit:
Arrival and Check-In:
Upon arrival, our friendly staff will greet you at PM Kidz. Please check in at the front desk. Our waiting room is designed with children in mind, featuring a children's movie playing to help them feel comfortable. Older children or teens may prefer to bring their phones or tablets for games and shows.
Vital Signs and Initial Assessment:
When it's your child's turn, a staff member will bring you from the waiting room. We'll measure your child's weight, height, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and use a pulse oximeter to check oxygen levels in their blood. This device lightly clamps to your child's finger and is painless.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):
Some children may need an electrocardiogram to check their heart rhythm. Your child will lie on an exam table while we place special stickers on their chest, arms, and legs. Wires are then connected to these stickers to capture the heart's rhythm. This test is quick and painless.
Echocardiogram (ECHO):
For some visits, an echocardiogram may be performed to assess the structure and function of your child's heart. Your child will lie on an exam table while the doctor uses a machine connected to a wand. Clear gel is applied to the skin around the heart, and the wand acts like a camera to produce images of the heart and lungs. This test is also painless.
Checkout:
After the visit, the cardiologist will review and discuss your child's test results with you. A visit summary will be sent to your child's primary physician for continuity of care, and if necessary, the doctor will schedule a follow-up visit.
At PM Kidz Healthy Heart Center, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care with compassion and expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child's heart health.
Why choose us?
Dr. Wali Gauvin, known affectionately as "Dr. G," is deeply committed to caring for children with heart disease. Board certified in pediatric cardiology, Dr. Gauvin remains current with the latest advancements in medical science. His mission is to provide the highest quality of care in a compassionate and meaningful manner to every infant, child, and young adult under his treatment. He values his relationships with patients, their families, and referring physicians.
Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Gauvin effectively communicates with all his patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and fully informed throughout their care journey.
Dr. Gauvin is passionate about preventive cardiology. He focuses on identifying and treating risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. He also promotes healthy eating habits and regular exercise among children. Taking a holistic approach to patient care, Dr. Gauvin collaborates closely with each child's primary healthcare team to tailor treatment plans and achieve optimal outcomes for both the child and their family.
Refer a patient
Thank you for entrusting your patient to PM Kidz Healthy Heart Center. We highly value our relationships with referring physicians and appreciate any feedback or comments you may have about our practice. We are dedicated to supporting your role as the primary care physician while serving as a trusted cardiac consultant.
To refer a patient, you can reach us at (240) 585-7128 or complete our Referral Form and fax it to (240) 607-6749 for your convenience.