The Think HEART campaign is a really easy way for parents and health professionals to know the key signs a baby may have an undiagnosed heart condition.
The Think HEART concept was developed by Dr Joan LaRovere at the Royal Brompton Hospital in 2009 – and it’s our mission to get its message to as many new parents and health professionals as possible.
Tiny Tickers offer a range of support materials to help families from the point of diagnosis, we hope you find them useful. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, friends and funders, all these resources are free for parents to download, print, share and use. Some can also be ordered as printed copies via the links below.
Remember – Think HEART
H = Heart rate
Is your baby’s heart rate too fast or too slow? It should normally be 100-160 beats per minute.
E = Energy
Is your baby sleepy, quiet or floppy? Are they too tired to feed, or falling asleep during feeds?
A = Appearance
Is your baby a pale, waxy, dusky, blue, purple, mottled or grey colour?
R = Respiration
Is your baby breathing too fast or too slowly? – There should normally be 40-60 breaths per minute.
T = Temperature
Is your baby persistently cold to touch – particularly their hands and feet?
Everyone can help spread the message!
Little ones can do their bit too, by colouring in our special Think HEART template! Once they’ve finished colouring (and why not add some glitter for extra sparkles?!) you can share the finished product on social media. Don’t forget to use #ThinkHEART and tag us @tinytickers. We can’t wait to see their creations!
Information for Families
Think HEART video
Watch our Think HEART video to learn the signs a baby may have an undiagnosed heart condition.
Download your Think HEART card
This card tells you the five signs to watch for in a format that is easy to keep in your purse, on a noticeboard or in a drawer at home for easy reference should you need it.
Download a THINK HEART poster
Download and print our Think HEART poster to help spread this life-saving message.
Sienna’s story
Sienna’s heart conditions weren’t diagnosed until she was gravely ill. Her story demonstrates why it’s so vital to know how to Think HEART.
How the Heart Develops
A description and animation for families showing how a baby’s heart develops.
Order a THINK HEART card
Order our free Think HEART card and give it to any new or expectant parents you know, so they can be aware of the signs of congenital heart disease.
Order a Think HEART poster
Could you tell new parents you know about Think HEART? Could you put a poster in your local nursery, play centre or GP surgery? Order a poster here.
Help us spread the word
Could you help by sharing our Think HEART animation across social media – just use #ThinkHEART and you could help us share this vital life-saving message.
What to do if you’re worried about your baby
If you have concerns about your baby’s health, please take them to see a healthcare professional to seek advice. Tell your healthcare professional about the symptoms that are worrying you, and ask them to check for signs of a heart problem.
It is especially important to seek advice as soon as possible if you have concerns in the first days and weeks after birth – some undetected heart conditions can cause illness and can even be fatal. However, heart conditions can go undetected for a number of years, so seek professional advice no matter how old your child if you have concerns.
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