Services & Specialties
Neuromuscular Cardiology

Specialized heart care for children and young adults with neuromuscular conditions, delivered by nationally recognized experts.

Nurse Benjamin Miller interacting with non-patient Melanie Campbell at main campus. Melanie is the daughter of employee Teirra Dennis.

Heart Care for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Other Neuromuscular Conditions

When your child has a neuromuscular condition, heart problems can feel frightening and complex. You may wonder what comes next and who has the right experience to help.

Our Neuromuscular Cardiology Clinic focuses on heart conditions linked to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, Friedreich’s ataxia, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy. We are leaders in advanced heart failure care, ventricular assist devices (VAD), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), and heart transplant for patients with neuromuscular disease. Each year, we care for about 300 patients from across the Midwest and the nation. We work in close partnership with the Comprehensive Neuromuscular Center to offer comprehensive, coordinated care.

Why Choose Cincinnati Children's Neuromuscular Cardiology Clinic?

Team-based care with cardiology, neurology and pulmonology experts working together in coordinated visits.
Globally recognized experts in neuromuscular heart failure and advanced therapies.
Innovative treatments and clinical trials that offer access to cutting-edge medical therapies.
Dedicated nurse coordinator and streamlined scheduling to organize care from up to seven or eight specialties.

More About Our Neuromuscular Cardiology Expertise

Nationally Ranked Pediatric Heart Care

Our Joint Pediatric and Congenital Heart Program, in conjunction with Golisano Children’s at UK, is ranked one of the top programs in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Our specialists are known around the world for their leadership in children’s heart care.

Advanced Heart Failure and VAD Therapies

Our program is one of the largest neuromuscular cardiology programs in the country. We are a world leader in neuromuscular heart failure care and ventricular assist device (VAD) support. We also provide implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and heart transplant when needed. We've provided advanced cardiac therapies to patients who were turned down at other centers.

Coordinated, Whole-Child Care

Neuromuscular disease affects more than the heart. That is why we use an integrated heart and lung model of care. Some patients need visits with up to seven or eight specialties. Our dedicated nurse coordinator manages scheduling, helps adjust medications at home, gathers outside test results, and keeps communication clear between teams.

Personalized Plans for Complex Conditions

No two children experience neuromuscular disease the same way. We build a personalized care plan based on your child’s age, heart function, symptoms, and other affected body systems. We continue to care for many patients after age 18 to ensure a smooth transition from pediatric to adult-focused heart care. We also offer expert pediatric second opinions.

Genetic Testing and Carrier Care

We offer a dedicated Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy carrier clinic for female carriers. About one-third of female carriers may develop heart problems, often without early symptoms. We help families understand who in the family may be at risk and provide genetic counseling, heart screening and ongoing care for those at risk.

National Reach with Travel Support

About 30% of our patients travel to Cincinnati Children's from outside the Midwest for complex heart and neuromuscular care. Many need complex testing and multiple specialists in a short time. Our coordinators help organize travel and visits, testing and specialty care into an efficient schedule. This coordinated approach makes care possible for families who live far from Cincinnati.

Over time, we have learned that cardiac disease in neuromuscular conditions behaves differently. The heart evolves in unique ways, and people often experience symptoms differently because of their underlying neuromuscular disorder. This is making it more and more important to find expert, neuromuscular cardiac care.

Chet R. Villa, MD

Pediatric Cardiologist, Heart Failure & Transplantation

Conditions We Treat

Services & SpecialtiesNeuromuscular Cardiology