Hasthi U. Dissanayake is a Pediatric Cardiologist based in Sydney, NSW, Australia.
This is a children’s heart and circulation service. In many cases, care starts with hearing what’s going on day to day, then doing the checks that help spot problems early. Pediatric cardiology can feel worrying for families, so appointments are usually about clear answers and a calm plan.
Dr Dissanayake works with babies and children, including premature infants. Some of the conditions that may bring families in include high blood pressure in infants and other forms of hypertension. For smaller babies, even a small change in feeding, breathing, or weight gain can matter, so it’s important to take those early signs seriously.
Sleep and breathing issues can also be part of the picture. At times, children are referred with obstructive sleep apnoea or central sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea isn’t just about snoring. It can affect oxygen levels and how hard the heart works over time, so getting the right diagnosis helps guide safer treatment.
Weight and growth are another focus. Intrauterine growth restriction may be considered when babies don’t grow as expected during pregnancy, and obesity can become a health concern as children get older. Over time, these issues can link with heart workload, blood pressure, and long-term wellbeing.
Dr Dissanayake also looks after children who need care after dehydration. Dehydration can sometimes put stress on the body and affect circulation, especially in young infants. Getting timely assessment can make a real difference.
There are also emergencies that can require fast attention. Acute coronary syndrome is one of the conditions listed, and when this comes up, it’s about quick recognition and appropriate hospital-level care. Children with chest pain or sudden symptoms need urgent assessment, and the plan will depend on what the tests show.
Overall, this practice supports families from the first concerns through to follow-up, with a focus on understanding the cause and keeping children safe. Pediatric heart care is very individual, and treatment can vary from one child to the next based on symptoms, age, and test results.