UPMC Children’s Heart Institute Cardiomyopathy Program Again Awarded Center of Care Designation by Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation

In June 2025, The Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was once again named a Center of Care by the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF), a national nonprofit committed to improving the health outcomes and quality of life for children with cardiomyopathy. UPMC Children’s received this recognition for consistently providing high-quality cardiac care and specialized disease management for children with cardiomyopathy.

Centers are recognized based on a hospital meeting CCF’s criteria of managing a high volume of cardiomyopathy patients, offering a variety of pediatric services, specializing in the treatment and management of cardiomyopathy in children, and affiliation with an academic research institution. Information about CCF’s Center of Care program and selection criteria is available on CCF’s website under “Family Resources.”

Cardiomyopathy is a chronic and potentially life-threatening heart condition that affects how the heart pumps blood through the body. Pediatric cardiomyopathy is a complex and variable disease with only a quarter of those diagnosed having a known cause. Like other chronic diseases, pediatric cardiomyopathy requires a team approach to comprehensive care as symptoms and complications may need to be controlled by multiple medications, surgery, or implantable devices. Ultimately, the type of cardiomyopathy and its severity will determine the treatment plan.

The Centers of Care program was established in 2017 to recognize excellence in diagnosing and treating pediatric cardiomyopathy and to provide families with standardized center information to assist them in selecting an expert treatment center in their area.

About the UPMC Children’s Pediatric Heart Failure and Recovery Program

Managing cardiomyopathy in children requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary strategy and a reliance on evidence-based clinical practice. UPMC Children’s Heart Failure and Recovery Program integrates the expertise of physicians, nurses, and support staff to deliver comprehensive care for patients and families affected by cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Accreditation from the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation recognizes the program’s commitment to advancing clinical standards and patient outcomes.