Overview
We have been pioneers in treating abnormal heart rhythms. We were the first pediatric hospital in Ohio to offer cryoablation, which cures about 95% of tachycardias. Dr. John Clark, the director of our center, also helped develop a procedure to fix irregular heartbeats without using radiation. Our goal is to find the most appropriate and least invasive option to treat your child.
We have one focus: kids.
We have special training in treating both common and complex abnormal heart rhythms in kids. These arrhythmias occur when the heart’s electrical system doesn’t function properly or when there's an extra electrical connection or abnormal electrical focus in the heart.
Children may be born with a cardiac arrhythmia, or it may result from scar tissue formed after heart surgery for a congenital defect. Symptoms of arrhythmias include fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting spells. Extreme episodes of rapid or slow heart rates can be life-threatening.
Conditions we treat.
We diagnose and treat the full range of abnormal heart rhythms, including:
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Fainting (syncope)
- Heart block
- Heart palpitations
- Long QT syndrome
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or rapid heart rate
Advancing care.
We use the most advanced testing and treatments to manage or cure abnormal heart rhythms in children and teens. Our goal is to find the most appropriate and least invasive option to treat your child. With the right care, children with arrhythmias can lead healthy lives.
We have been pioneers in cardiac arrhythmia treatments. We were the first pediatric hospital in Ohio to offer cryoablation, a procedure that uses low temperatures to destroy abnormal electrical pathways within the heart. Cryoablation cures 90-95% of patients.
Dr. John Clark, the director of our center, also helped develop a procedure to fix irregular heartbeats without using radiation.
Locations/Contact Us
Contact Arrhythmia Center
Akron Children's Hospital Pediatric Arrhythmia Center
Considine Professional Building
215 West Bowery Street
Suite 5200
Akron, Ohio 44308
Fax: 330-543-3850
More about this location...
Map & directions
Akron Children's Hospital Pediatric Cardiology, Boardman
Building A
6505 Market Street
Boardman, Ohio 44512
Fax: 330-629-7620
More about this location...
Map & directions
Our Doctors/Providers
Director, Pediatric Arrhythmia Center; Pediatric Cardiologist
Grace Smith, MD, FACC
Director, Heart Center Mahoning Valley; Associate Director, Pediatric Arrhythmia Center; Co-Director, Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Clinic; Pediatric Cardiologist
Erin Smith, MSN, APRN-CNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
Specialty Programs
What Should Families Expect When They Come for an Appointment?
At Akron Children’s, your child’s health and safety is our priority. Please continue to bring your child for wellness visits, vaccinations or sick care appointments that keep children healthy. We want to assure you that we have taken additional precautions to ensure a safe environment for your child and family. The following are additional safety efforts, in addition to our normal cleaning protocols, that we are taking to help you be comfortable bringing your child to an appointment.
Limiting the Number of Caregivers and Face Covering
The number of caregivers permitted to accompany a child to an appointment is dependent on the department you are visiting. Everyone visiting an Akron Children's facility is asked to wear masks or face coverings, except for kids under 2 or those with sensory issues. Masks will be provided for visitors who do not bring their own.
Checking In and Screening of Visitors
Akron Children's now offers Mobile Check-in to limit your exposure to others. You'll receive a text an hour before your child's appointment arrival time. Click the link in the text when you reach the Akron Children's facility for your child's appointment. You will receive a confirmation text that reminds you to wait in your car. Once we determine appropriate spacing is available inside the building, you'll receive a third text to let you know it's OK to come in for your appointment.
Immediately upon entering the building, your temperature will be taken, either by a thermal scanner or a greeter who will also ask you a few questions.
If you are in a waiting room, you’ll notice signs and a limited number of chairs. This is to remind our patients to keep 6 feet of physical distance between your family and others.
Precautions If You Suspect Your Child Has COVID-19
Call your child’s healthcare professional if your child is sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and has been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Your health care professional will work with Ohio’s public health department and the CDC to determine if your child needs to be tested for COVID-19.
View all the safety precautions Akron Children's is taking.
