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Pediatrics Heart Services

Jumpstart Healthy Hearts Program

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Lowering heart disease risk in children

The Jumpstart Healthy Hearts Program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center provides comprehensive care for children and teens at risk for heart disease and stroke. Led by top pediatric cardiology experts, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating children with lipid disorders, high blood pressure, obesity, and those with family histories of heart disease.

Our program focuses on early intervention, as identifying and managing risk factors in childhood can help prevent serious cardiovascular disease in adulthood. For children with rare or severe conditions, this early action can be lifesaving and help prevent long-term disability and death.

Conditions we treat

Our program evaluates and treats a wide range of cardiovascular risk factors, including:

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)
  • Dyslipidemia of obesity or metabolic syndrome
  • High triglycerides and chylomicronemia
  • Abnormal HDL (“good cholesterol”) levels
  • High lipoprotein (a)
  • Primary hypertension
  • Secondary hypertension that may affect the heart’s size and function

Comprehensive diagnostic testing for pediatrics

To get a full picture of your child’s heart health, we offer advanced diagnostic options tailored to their needs, including:

  • Advanced laboratory testing, including genetic testing and cascade screening
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG) and ambulatory EKG monitoring
  • Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring with the pediatric nephrology team
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiac MRI and CT
  • Stress testing
  • Peripheral vascular imaging

What to expect at your first visit

At your child’s first visit, our team will:

  • Review their lipid pattern and medical history for potential medical causes and other risk factors
  • Take a detailed family history focused on the onset of early heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and related conditions
  • Perform a physical exam to assess height, BMI, blood pressure, and signs of a genetic or other medical disorder
  • Perform an EKG and echocardiogram when needed, especially for children with high blood pressure or obesity
  • Review diet and physical activity habits, and schedule in-depth video visits with our registered pediatric dietitian if beneficial
  • Establish a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan
  • Schedule follow-up visits and additional testing to monitor progress and adjust therapy

Screening and evaluation of close relatives will be encouraged if family risk factors are identified.

Personalized treatment & ongoing care

Most children begin with lifestyle-based recommendations focused on healthy nutrition and physical activity. When appropriate, treatment may also include:

  • Prescription medications
  • Advanced therapies such as lipoprotein apheresis, a process that removes lipoproteins from the blood. These therapies are reserved for rare cases of patients with severe genetic lipid disorders.

Our team works closely with registered pediatric dietitians and other subspecialists to ensure coordinated care for the best possible outcomes.

Contact & referrals

Referrals are welcome from general pediatricians and specialists. Self-referrals are also accepted.

Department of Pediatric Cardiology Clinic
NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Manhattan

525 East 68th Street, F-677, New York, NY

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212-746-3561