Every child's heart tells a story. My job is to help families read it without fear.
— Dr. Nikhil K Sunil
About Me
A pediatric cardiologist who believes families deserve answers
I'm Dr. Nikhil K Sunil, a pediatric cardiologist based in Mumbai, India.
For over a decade I've worked alongside children and their families — from
newborns with congenital heart conditions to teenagers learning to live
confidently with a diagnosis.
I trained in pediatrics and then in pediatric cardiology at a high-volume
tertiary cardiac centre, and my clinical work spans congenital heart disease,
echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. My subspecialty focus is
paediatric electrophysiology — the science of the heart's rhythm.
Alongside the clinic, I take part in research and present at national and
international meetings.
I built Pediatric Heart India because I noticed the same thing in
clinic again and again: parents leave appointments with a diagnosis but not
always with understanding. This site is my way of bridging that gap —
trustworthy, calm, jargon-free information you can return to whenever you need it.
Education & TrainingMBBS — Armed Forces Medical College, Pune · MD Pediatrics — Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode · DrNB Pediatric Cardiology — Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai · PGPN — Boston University
Current RoleAssociate Consultant, Children's Heart Centre — Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
Professional MembershipsAssociation for European Paediatric & Congenital Cardiology (AEPC) · Pediatric Cardiac Society of India · Indian Academy of Pediatrics
Academic WorkResearch presented at national & international meetings, including WPCCS 2025 (Hong Kong); awarded Best Complex Case, INDIA LIVE 2024
Areas of Focus
What this site helps you understand
Plain-language information on the heart conditions and questions families meet
most often. This is educational content — not a substitute for your own
doctor's advice.
Congenital Heart Disease
Understanding holes in the heart (ASD, VSD), valve differences and other conditions a child may be born with.
Heart Murmurs
Why most childhood murmurs are completely harmless — and when one needs a closer look.
Heart Rhythm & Arrhythmias
Palpitations, fast or irregular heartbeats — what they mean and how rhythm problems are assessed.
Tests & Procedures
What an echocardiogram, ECG or Holter monitor actually involves — and why they're nothing to fear.
Living & Growing
Sport, school, travel, vaccinations and everyday life for a child with a heart condition.
After Heart Surgery
What recovery looks like and how to care for your child as they heal and return to normal life.
Articles
From the blog
Short, reassuring reads for parents. New articles added regularly —
check back or follow along.
Sometimes a short video says it best. Educational clips on common children's
heart topics.
Understanding heart murmurs
A short explainer for parents.
Inside an echocardiogram
What the test looks like for your child.
Recovery after heart surgery
Practical tips for the first weeks home.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
The questions families ask most often. For advice specific to your child,
always speak to your treating doctor.
Most murmurs heard in childhood are "innocent" — they come from normal blood flow and mean the heart is completely healthy. They often disappear as a child grows. A doctor can usually tell an innocent murmur from one that needs further tests simply by listening, sometimes confirmed with an echocardiogram.
Congenital heart disease (CHD) means a difference in the heart's structure that is present from birth. It is the most common type of birth difference. CHD ranges from small issues that never need treatment to conditions that need specialist care. Many children with CHD go on to live full, active lives.
Not at all. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. A small probe with warm gel is moved gently over the chest — there are no needles and no radiation. It usually takes 20–40 minutes, and children can often watch a cartoon during the test.
For most children with a heart condition, staying active is encouraged and healthy. The right level of activity depends on the specific diagnosis, so this is something to confirm with your child's cardiologist. Many children with heart conditions play, run and take part in school sport happily.
Signs worth mentioning to a doctor include fast or laboured breathing, tiring or sweating during feeds, poor weight gain, and a persistent bluish tinge to the lips or skin. Most babies with these signs do not have a serious problem — but it is always worth a check so you have peace of mind.
No — this website is purely for education and awareness. It does not offer consultations, appointments or personal medical advice. For any concern about your child, please see your pediatrician or a pediatric cardiologist in person. If you'd like to connect professionally, the contact section below is the best place to reach me.
Get in touch
For professional enquiries, speaking invitations, collaborations or feedback on
the articles — I'd love to hear from you.
Phone+91 80894 81431 — professional enquiries only
Based inMumbai, India
Please note
This website does not provide consultations
Pediatric Heart India is an educational resource created to help families
understand children's heart health. It is here to inform and reassure — not
to diagnose or treat.
No appointments or online consultations are offered here.
The content is general information, not personal medical advice.
For your child's care, please see a qualified doctor in person.
In an emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
