When families in Chennai face a child’s cardiac diagnosis, one name repeatedly surfaces with reverence and gratitude: Dr. Anuradha Sridhar. Known affectionately as “Annu Mam” among her patients, this accomplished pediatric cardiologist has built a reputation spanning nearly two decades for her exceptional clinical skills, innovative treatment approaches, and remarkably compassionate care. At Apollo Children’s Hospital in Thousand Lights, Chennai, Dr. Sridhar manages some of the most complex heart conditions in children while simultaneously advancing the field through research, training the next generation of specialists, and maintaining a deeply personal connection with every family she treats.
This comprehensive guide explores Dr. Anuradha Sridhar’s impressive professional journey, clinical expertise, patient experiences, and practical information for those seeking her care.
Who is Dr. Anuradha Sridhar?
Dr. Anuradha Sridhar represents the ideal combination of technical mastery and human compassion that separates good doctors from exceptional ones. With over 17 years of specialised experience exclusively in pediatric cardiology, she has established herself as one of South India’s most trusted specialists in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.
Her practice at Apollo Children’s Hospital extends far beyond routine consultations. Dr. Sridhar specialises in managing complex congenital heart diseases, performing advanced interventional cardiac procedures that once required open-heart surgery, assessing fetal cardiac anomalies during pregnancy, and providing comprehensive long-term cardiac care for children with heart conditions. Her influence within the medical community goes equally deep—she holds academic leadership positions training the next generation of pediatric cardiologists through the National Board of Examinations’ official postgraduate program.
What sets Dr. Sridhar apart is her distinctive approach to pediatric cardiology that balances cutting-edge technical expertise with genuine empathy. Families consistently describe her as someone who treats their children as though they were her own, explaining complex cardiac conditions in language parents can understand while maintaining the clinical rigour necessary for managing life-threatening heart disease. This combination of qualities—rare in any medical field—explains why patients travel from across India and even from abroad to consult with her.
Educational Excellence and Professional Credentials
Dr. Anuradha Sridhar’s educational foundation reflects a commitment to excellence that has remained constant throughout her career. She began her medical education at Chengalpet Medical College in Tamil Nadu, completing her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in June 1998. Her registration with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (Registration No. 62054) marked the beginning of a medical career that would eventually impact thousands of families facing cardiac crises.
Rather than practising general medicine, Dr. Sridhar immediately recognised her calling in pediatric cardiology and pursued advanced postgraduate training. She completed her Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in Paediatrics from the National Board of Examinations in May 2005, notably passing on her first attempt—a distinction that speaks to both her aptitude and dedication. This qualification provided her with comprehensive knowledge across general paediatrics while establishing a foundation for specialised cardiac training.
Her most advanced credential came next: the Fellowship of the National Board (FNB) in Pediatric Cardiology, also awarded by the National Board of Examinations. Completing this in 2008 on her first attempt positioned her among India’s most comprehensively trained pediatric cardiologists. The FNB represents years of rigorous clinical training, supervised procedures, research contributions, and examination performance—requirements that ensure only the most capable practitioners achieve this distinction.
Beyond these major certifications, Dr. Sridhar holds an FPICS (Fellowship in Pediatric Intensive Care Specialities), which qualifies her to manage critically ill pediatric patients—a crucial skill given that many children with severe heart disease require intensive care management alongside cardiac intervention.
Timing and Consultation Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Consultation Hours | Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday Hours | Closed |
| Physical Consultation Fee | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
| Online Video Consultation Fee | ₹2,000 (via Apollo247) |
| First Appointment Wait Time | 1-2 weeks (depending on urgency) |
| Follow-up Appointment Wait Time | Usually within 1 week |
| Emergency Cases | Accommodated within 24-48 hours |
What truly distinguishes her credentials is her international training in interventional pediatric cardiology. She pursued specialised fellowship training under Dr. Mario Carminati, a world-renowned interventional cardiologist based in Milan, Italy. This training exposed her to advanced catheter-based techniques and hybrid procedural approaches that represent the cutting edge of pediatric cardiac treatment. Such opportunities, limited to a select few Indian pediatric cardiologists, directly translate to enhanced capabilities in managing complex cases that might otherwise require open-heart surgery.
Professional Experience and Clinical Specialisation
Dr. Sridhar’s 17+ years in pediatric cardiology represent an incredibly focused career in a specialised field. Rather than diversifying into general cardiology or other medical disciplines, she has deepened her expertise exclusively within pediatric cardiac care—a choice that demonstrates her genuine passion for this patient population and commitment to becoming exceptional in her chosen niche.
Throughout her career, she has successfully managed thousands of cases spanning the entire spectrum of pediatric heart disease. These cases range from routine diagnostic consultations to extraordinarily complex interventional and surgical situations. Her expertise encompasses accurate diagnosis through advanced echocardiographic techniques, management of rare and unusual congenital heart conditions, performance of complex catheter-based procedures, coordination of surgical care, and long-term follow-up of children with chronic cardiac conditions.
Her clinical focus centres on several distinct areas within pediatric cardiology. Congenital heart disease management represents perhaps her most extensive experience—she has cared for countless children with structural heart defects present from birth, employing both traditional observation-based approaches and cutting-edge interventional techniques. Fetal cardiology represents another specialised area, where she assesses heart development during pregnancy and counsels families about expected postnatal management. Interventional pediatric cardiology comprises another major focus, where she performs catheter-based procedures to repair or correct cardiac defects without requiring open-heart surgery. Her expertise extends to cardiac arrhythmia management, where she diagnoses and treats abnormal heart rhythms in children through medication, ablation procedures, and device implantation. Advanced cases involving pulmonary hypertension and heart failure represent additional areas where her knowledge and skills prove invaluable.
Throughout this extensive clinical experience, Dr. Sridhar has gained particular expertise in managing high-risk cases and unusual presentations that challenge even experienced specialists. Her research publications document pioneering approaches to technically difficult problems, suggesting she doesn’t simply follow established protocols but actively thinks through complex cases to develop innovative solutions.
Academic Leadership and Training Role
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Sridhar serves in significant academic leadership positions that reflect deep institutional trust and recognition of her expertise. Since July 2014, she has held the position of Senior Faculty for the National Board of Examinations’ postgraduate training program in Pediatric Cardiology at Apollo Children’s Hospital. This role involves responsibility for training postgraduate residents in pediatric cardiology, assessing their clinical competence, and ensuring educational standards meet the rigorous requirements of India’s premier postgraduate examination board.
During this same period, she has served as Academic Coordinator for the NBE’s pediatric cardiology postgraduate program—a position requiring oversight of curriculum development, communication between the hospital and the examination board, facilitation of trainee assessments, and coordination of the formal examination process. These responsibilities indicate that the National Board of Examinations has entrusted Dr. Sridhar with helping shape the future of pediatric cardiology in India.
A particularly distinctive role began in 2017 when Dr. Sridhar became Course Director for the Pediatric Echocardiography training program at Apollo Children’s Hospital. This program, conducted twice yearly, trains cardiologists and cardiac sonographers from across India in advanced echocardiographic techniques. Her responsibility for curriculum development and standardisation of training reflects recognition of her exceptional expertise in echocardiography—arguably the single most important diagnostic tool in pediatric cardiology.
Beyond these formal administrative roles, Dr. Sridhar serves as thesis guide for postgraduate residents in both DNB Pediatrics and DNB Pediatric Cardiology. In this capacity, she supervises original research projects that contribute to medical knowledge while ensuring trainees develop skills in scientific investigation and critical analysis. This mentoring function, though often invisible to the public, profoundly shapes the next generation of pediatric cardiologists.
Hospital Affiliation and Practice Setting
Dr. Anuradha Sridhar practices primarily at Apollo Children’s Hospital, located in the Thousand Lights area of Chennai. The hospital’s address is Number 15, Shafee Mohammed Road, with the landmark being its proximity to Apollo Heart Centre. This location, in one of Chennai’s central areas, provides convenient access for families across the city and from surrounding regions.
Apollo Children’s Hospital operates as a dedicated pediatric institution within the larger Apollo Hospitals network, which means the entire facility is designed and staffed specifically for children’s healthcare. The hospital maintains state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment essential for pediatric cardiology, including advanced echocardiography machines capable of detecting subtle cardiac anomalies. Its cardiac catheterisation laboratory is equipped for both diagnostic and interventional procedures, allowing Dr. Sridhar to assess heart pressures and perform catheter-based treatments within the same facility.
The hospital features a dedicated pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) staffed by specialists experienced in managing critically ill children—essential for cases involving complex heart disease with complications. Emergency services operate 24 hours daily, ensuring that pediatric cardiac emergencies receive immediate attention. Beyond these medical facilities, Apollo Children’s Hospital provides comfortable patient amenities, ample parking for families, and a multidisciplinary pediatric team that supports Dr. Sridhar’s cardiology patients.
Hospital Address and Locations
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Hospital | Apollo Children’s Hospital, Thousand Lights |
| Complete Address | Number 15, Shafee Mohammed Road, Near Apollo Heart Centre, Thousand Lights, Chennai – 600006, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Secondary Location | Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai |
| Hospital Website | www.apollohospitals.com |
| Parking | Ample parking available for two-wheelers and four-wheelers |
| Medical Council Registration | Ample parking is available for two-wheelers and four-wheelers |
Consultation hours with Dr. Sridhar run Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The hospital operates a professional appointment system, though some slots are typically reserved for emergency cases. She also maintains a secondary practice location at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, offering additional appointment availability for families unable to access the Thousand Lights location.
Consultation Process and Fees
Seeking cardiac consultation with Dr. Anuradha Sridhar is straightforward, with multiple appointment booking options designed for convenience. Consultation fees are structured simply and transparently: physical consultations at the hospital clinic range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, while online video consultations through Apollo247 are priced at ₹2,000. These fees are competitive for a specialist of her experience level and may be subject to institutional discounts or package arrangements depending on the treatment protocol planned.
The appointment booking process offers flexibility. Families can book directly through the Apollo Hospitals website (www.apollohospitals.com) or through the Apollo247 app and website (www.apollo247.com), which provides real-time slot availability and instant confirmation. Third-party health platforms, including HexaHealth, Lybrate, Vaidam, and JustDial also offer booking services. For those preferring direct contact, calling Apollo Children’s Hospital’s main reception and requesting an appointment with Dr. Anuradha Sridhar’s team is an option, as is walking in to the hospital’s registration desk to book directly.
Typical wait times for first appointments are one to two weeks, depending on clinical urgency. Follow-up appointments usually become available within one week. Emergency cases—such as a child presenting with symptoms suggesting severe cardiac compromise—are often accommodated within 24 to 48 hours.
When arriving for a first consultation, families should bring their government-issued ID, health insurance card if applicable, any previous medical records, recent test reports such as electrocardiograms or chest X-rays, their child’s medication list, and any documentation of prior medical history. For patients living outside Chennai, online video consultation offers a practical option for follow-up visits after an initial assessment.
Clinical Expertise: Diagnostic Procedures
Dr. Sridhar’s clinical practice encompasses both advanced diagnostic procedures that reveal the heart’s structure and function, and interventional procedures that treat identified problems. On the diagnostic side, pediatric echocardiography represents her most frequently performed procedure—a non-invasive ultrasound examination of the heart that provides real-time images of cardiac structures, blood flow patterns, and functional performance. Dr. Sridhar possesses exceptional skill in interpreting these images and identifying subtle abnormalities that less experienced practitioners might miss.
Fetal echocardiography represents a particularly specialised diagnostic skill. Performed during pregnancy, typically from 16-18 weeks onward, fetal cardiac ultrasound allows detection of heart abnormalities in developing babies. Dr. Sridhar’s expertise in this area enables early counselling with expectant families about their baby’s condition, planned delivery arrangements, and anticipated postnatal management. This information allows families to prepare emotionally and logistically for a child with special cardiac needs, while allowing the obstetric and neonatal teams to arrange appropriate delivery planning and immediate postnatal care.
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) represents another advanced diagnostic technique in Dr. Sridhar’s arsenal. Unlike standard echocardiography performed through the chest wall, TEE involves advancing an ultrasound probe through the oesophagus to obtain high-resolution images of cardiac structures from within the body. While more invasive than standard echocardiography, TEE provides superior visualisation of certain cardiac structures and is particularly valuable for assessing valve disease, complex shunts, and unusual anatomic variations. Dr. Sridhar performs this procedure in controlled medical settings with appropriate sedation to ensure patient comfort.
Cardiac catheterisation represents the most invasive of the diagnostic procedures performed in Dr. Sridhar’s practice. Through this technique, thin catheters are advanced through blood vessels to reach the heart, where pressures can be measured, and samples of blood oxygen content can be obtained. These measurements reveal whether abnormal connections between heart chambers cause inadequate oxygen levels, and they quantify the severity of any flow abnormalities. Cardiac catheterisation often serves as a diagnostic precursor to interventional procedures, as the anatomy visualised during diagnostic catheterisation determines whether catheter-based treatment is feasible.
Clinical Expertise: Interventional Procedures
The interventional procedures Dr. Sridhar performs represent major advances in pediatric cardiac care, allowing treatment of many conditions that once required open-heart surgery. These procedures, performed through catheters rather than surgical incisions, offer substantial advantages, including shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, reduced pain, and the ability to treat patients who might be too ill or too small for open surgery.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure represents one of the most common interventional procedures Dr. Sridhar performs. The ductus arteriosus is a normal blood vessel present in all fetuses that allows blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs. After birth, this vessel should close spontaneously, but in some infants—particularly premature babies—it remains open, allowing excessive blood flow to the lungs and imposing stress on the developing heart. Dr. Sridhar’s expertise includes straightforward PDA closures in appropriate candidates as well as management of technically challenging cases where the PDA has unusual anatomy or characteristics that complicate device placement.
Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure through transcatheter device placement has become an important alternative to surgery for suitable candidates. An ASD is a hole in the wall (septum) separating the two upper heart chambers. When significant, this defect causes excessive blood flow to the lungs and compromised oxygen delivery to the body. Dr. Sridhar selects appropriate candidates for device closure through careful evaluation and performs the procedure with technical skill honed through years of experience. Success rates for appropriately selected cases exceed 98 per cent.
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure represents a more technically challenging interventional procedure than ASD closure. VSDs are holes in the wall separating the ventricles (lower heart chambers), and their variable anatomy makes some suitable for device closure while others require surgery. Dr. Sridhar has pioneered innovative approaches to high-risk VSD closures, including the “cruciate fenestration” technique documented in her publications—an approach that reduces complications in particularly challenging anatomic scenarios. Her expertise in identifying which VSDs are candidates for device closure versus surgery represents a valuable clinical skill.
Pulmonary valve implantation through transcatheter techniques represents one of the most advanced interventional procedures in modern pediatric cardiology. This procedure, suitable only for selected patients with failed previous valves or deteriorating native valves, allows placement of a new valve through catheters rather than requiring open-heart surgery. Dr. Sridhar is among only a select group of Indian pediatric cardiologists experienced in this procedure, which substantially reduces the need for repeated open-heart surgeries in patients requiring multiple valve replacements throughout their lifetimes.
Pulmonary artery stenting, where expandable metal stents enlarge narrowed pulmonary arteries to improve blood flow to the lungs, represents another important interventional capability. Dr. Sridhar performs both elective stenting procedures and acute intraoperative stenting in the hybrid operating room—a technique that combines surgical exposure with catheter-based intervention to address complex cases that might otherwise be untreatable.
Beyond these specific procedures, Dr. Sridhar’s interventional expertise extends to cardiac arrhythmia management. When children develop abnormal heart rhythms, she performs diagnostic electrophysiology studies to identify the anatomic origin of the abnormal rhythm. For certain arrhythmias, she performs radiofrequency ablation procedures that permanently eliminate the abnormal tissue generating the dangerous rhythm. When arrhythmias are life-threatening, she oversees the implantation of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) that maintain safe heart rates and prevent sudden cardiac death.
Comprehensive Conditions Treated
Dr. Sridhar’s patient population spans the entire spectrum of pediatric heart disease, encompassing both congenital defects present from birth and acquired conditions developing after birth.
Within congenital heart disease, she manages acyanotic defects (conditions where blood oxygen levels remain normal) including the common ASDs and VSDs described above, PFOs (small holes between atria that often close spontaneously or cause no significant problems), pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary valve), aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), and coarctation of the aorta (a narrowing of the main artery). She also manages cyanotic heart defects—conditions where abnormal blood flow patterns result in reduced oxygen delivery to the body. Tetralogy of Fallot represents the most common cyanotic heart defect, characterized by four distinct anatomic abnormalities that Dr. Sridhar manages through careful timing of interventions, both surgical and catheter-based. Transposition of the great arteries involves reversed connections of the major blood vessels and represents a surgical emergency in newborns requiring the Rashkind procedure (balloon atrial septostomy) as an emergency measure. Pulmonary atresia, tricuspid atresia, and total anomalous pulmonary venous return represent other complex cyanotic defects requiring staged surgical approaches coordinated by Dr. Sridhar’s careful cardiac assessment.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a condition where the left side of the heart fails to develop adequately, represents one of the most severe forms of congenital heart disease. Dr. Sridhar has published research on hybrid approaches to stage I palliation for HLHS in resource-limited settings, demonstrating innovative thinking about how to manage this devastating condition when traditional surgical approaches may not be available.
Anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) represents a particularly dangerous condition where the vessel supplying blood to the heart muscle arises from the wrong location. Children with this condition face the risk of sudden cardiac death during exercise, yet Dr. Sridhar has documented cases of successful surgical repair with follow-up spanning three decades, supporting the importance of definitive treatment.
Beyond these structural defects, Dr. Sridhar manages numerous complex anatomic variations including atrioventricular septal defects (complex defects involving both atrial and ventricular septa plus the AV valves), absent pulmonary valve syndrome (where the pulmonary valve tissue fails to develop), and visceroatrial heterotaxy (abnormal organ positioning within the body). Each of these conditions requires specialized knowledge and individualized treatment approaches.
Acquired heart conditions represent another substantial component of Dr. Sridhar’s practice. Rheumatic heart disease, resulting from prior acute rheumatic fever, continues to affect Indian children and leads to valve scarring and dysfunction. She manages these cases medically and, when appropriate, performs balloon mitral valvuloplasty—a catheter-based technique that can improve valve function without requiring valve replacement. Viral myocarditis—inflammation of the heart muscle following viral infections—can range from mild to severe and may require intensive support. Dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, may result from viral infections, genetic conditions, or metabolic diseases. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, characterised by abnormal heart muscle thickening, carries the risk of sudden cardiac death and requires careful management to prevent fatal arrhythmias.
Infective endocarditis—bacterial or viral infection of heart valve tissue—can develop on both normal and abnormal hearts and may require both antibiotic therapy and sometimes surgical intervention. Pericarditis, inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart, can impair heart function and require treatment with anti-inflammatory medications.
Pediatric arrhythmias represent an increasingly important part of her practice. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), the most common tachyarrhythmia in children, can often be cured through radiofrequency ablation rather than requiring lifelong medication. Atrial flutter, ventricular arrhythmias, and various conduction abnormalities require Dr. Sridhar’s expertise in electrophysiology and device therapy.
Pulmonary hypertension—elevated blood pressure in the lung blood vessels—can result from untreated congenital heart disease, primary lung disease, or systemic conditions. Dr. Sridhar provides expertise in diagnosing and managing this condition through specific medications that improve outcomes. Heart failure in children, while less common than in adults, represents a serious condition requiring comprehensive management. She brings extensive experience to pediatric heart failure, employing medication regimens, device therapy, and lifestyle modifications to optimise outcomes. Her research publications on stroke prevention in pediatric heart failure patients demonstrate her deep engagement with even the complications of these conditions.
Fetal cardiac anomalies detected during prenatal ultrasound screening form another important practice component. When structural defects are identified in developing babies, Dr. Sridhar provides detailed counselling to expectant families about anticipated challenges, likely survival, and expected treatment courses. This prenatal interaction allows families to prepare emotionally and logistically for a child with special cardiac needs while enabling obstetric and neonatal teams to plan appropriate delivery arrangements and immediate postnatal care.
Research Contributions and Publications
Dr. Sridhar’s commitment to advancing pediatric cardiology extends beyond direct patient care to active research and publication. She has authored or coauthored over 25 peer-reviewed publications in respected national and international pediatric cardiology journals, demonstrating sustained engagement with medical science and knowledge advancement.
Her publications span diverse topics reflecting the breadth of her clinical expertise. Early publications explored surgical techniques for complex congenital heart disease, including her pioneering work on cruciate fenestration in VSD patch closure—a technique designed to improve outcomes in high-risk patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. She has published extensively on hybrid procedures combining surgical and catheter-based approaches, particularly for conditions like HLHS where traditional options may be limited in resource-constrained settings.
Her interventional research documents innovations in transcatheter techniques, including complications management following device closures and approaches to complex anatomic scenarios. Publications on pulmonary valve implantation demonstrate her expertise in this cutting-edge procedure. Her research on preoperative hemodynamic assessment for VSD closure contributes practical knowledge about which patients will benefit most from intervention.
Beyond individual procedures, her publications address broader clinical challenges, including stroke prevention in pediatric heart failure, management of giant coronary aneurysms in Kawasaki disease, and innovative approaches to rare cardiac conditions. She has contributed chapters to textbooks on pediatric cardiac surgery and transcatheter interventions, establishing herself not merely as a clinician but as an educator shaping how the broader cardiology community approaches these complex conditions.
This research activity demonstrates that Dr. Sridhar doesn’t simply apply established treatment protocols but actively engages with the intellectual challenges of her field, constantly seeking to improve outcomes through innovation. Such engagement ensures that her patients benefit from the latest thinking in pediatric cardiology rather than merely receiving standard approaches.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Sridhar’s exceptional contributions to pediatric cardiology have garnered formal recognition from both her institution and professional organizations. In 2004, early in her career, she received the Best Doctor Award on Doctors Day at Apollo Hospital, Chennai—a recognition that highlighted her exceptional clinical skill and patient care standards even as a relatively junior practitioner.
Her appointment as Senior Faculty for the National Board of Examinations’ postgraduate training program in 2014 represented recognition by India’s most rigorous postgraduate medical examination board that she possessed the expertise and communication skills necessary to train the next generation of specialists. Similarly, her designation as Academic Coordinator for the NBE program indicated institutional trust to shape the future of pediatric cardiology education.
In 2008, Dr. Sridhar completed certification in palliative care through the National Palliative Care Group. While less visible than other achievements, this certification demonstrates her commitment to comprehensive care, including compassionate support for children with life-limiting cardiac conditions and their families facing impossible circumstances.
Her appointment as Course Director for the Pediatric Echocardiography training program in 2017 represented specific recognition of her exceptional expertise in echocardiography, arguably the most important diagnostic tool in her field. This position allows her to standardize training and advance echocardiographic techniques across India through the twice-yearly courses she conducts.
Beyond these institutional recognitions, her active membership in the Paediatric Cardiology Society of India and the Paediatric and Congenital Interventional Cardiovascular Society reflects her standing within professional organizations dedicated to advancing pediatric cardiac care.
Patient Reviews and Real-World Impact
Numbers and credentials, while important, tell only part of the story. The experiences of families who have entrusted Dr. Sridhar with their children’s cardiac care offer perhaps the most authentic perspective on her impact.
Across multiple review platforms, Dr. Sridhar maintains exceptional ratings. On JustDial, she averages 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 33 patient ratings. HexaHealth reports a 98 per cent patient recommendation rate with 94 ratings. Apollo Hospital platforms consistently show 97 per cent recommendation scores. These numbers suggest not occasional luck but consistent, reliable excellence across hundreds of patient interactions.
More meaningful than numerical ratings are the stories families share. One family from Bangladesh, whose infant daughter had a ventricular septal defect complicated by pulmonary hypertension, described a journey spanning three months of communication with Dr. Sridhar before traveling to Chennai for treatment. During this months-long process of diagnosis, education, and care planning, the parents experienced Dr. Sridhar as something far beyond a skilled physician. Writing after their daughter’s successful treatment, they described her as a “Devi” to their family—acknowledging not merely her technical competence but her profound humanity. They noted that in the journey of stress and anxiety surrounding their daughter’s condition, they found in Dr. Sridhar exactly what families in this situation need: someone who is simultaneously an exceptional clinician and a good human being. The family concluded that they would be grateful to her forever.
Other patient accounts emphasise her diagnostic acuity. Parents describe bringing children with confusing symptoms to Dr. Sridhar and receiving prompt, accurate diagnoses leading to quick treatment. They note her directness—an absence of unnecessary testing or extended visits—combined with comprehensive evaluation and clear treatment planning. Children themselves describe her calm, patient demeanour during stressful medical examinations. Parents with anxious children note how Dr. Sridhar speaks softly, explains procedures to children before performing them, and waits for them to be ready rather than rushing through evaluations. The cumulative picture from patient accounts is one of a clinician who possesses both exceptional technical skill and the interpersonal qualities that reduce fear, build trust, and genuinely comfort families facing difficult circumstances.
Why Families Choose Dr. Anuradha Sridhar
The decision to entrust a child’s cardiac care to any physician involves crucial considerations. Multiple factors make Dr. Sridhar a compelling choice for families in Chennai and across South India.
Her credentials represent the highest level of training in pediatric cardiology, earned through rigorous examination and demonstrated clinical competence rather than simple passage of time. Her 17+ years of dedicated, focused experience in this single specialty has generated the deep knowledge necessary for managing rare, complex conditions. Her international training under a world-renowned interventionalist positioned her at the forefront of modern techniques.
Her academic leadership roles—holding positions within the National Board of Examinations’ official training program—represent validation from India’s most rigorous postgraduate examination authority that she possesses exceptional expertise. Her active research and publication record demonstrate intellectual engagement with her field, ensuring that her patients benefit from cutting-edge knowledge rather than outdated protocols.
The exceptional patient ratings and glowing family testimonials provide evidence that her technical expertise translates into genuine patient benefit and family satisfaction. Parents consistently report that she combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence—a rare and valuable combination in medical practice.
Her hospital affiliation at Apollo Children’s Hospital ensures access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and interventional capabilities necessary for managing complex cardiac cases. The comprehensive pediatric team at Apollo Children’s Hospital provides supporting care and expertise for children with complex medical needs.
Her multilingual fluency in English, Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu enables communication with diverse patient populations across South India, reducing barriers to understanding and participation in care decisions.
The practical accessibility of her services—multiple appointment booking options, reasonable consultation fees, online consultation availability, and relatively quick appointment availability—removes logistical barriers that might prevent families from accessing her expertise.
The Consultation Experience: What to Expect
Understanding what to expect during a consultation with Dr. Sridhar can reduce anxiety and help families prepare effectively. When families first contact Apollo Children’s Hospital to book an appointment, they’ll receive information about available time slots and instructions for payment. Upon arrival at Apollo Children’s Hospital, Thousand Lights, they should check in at the main reception desk, where staff will direct them to the pediatric cardiology clinic.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Sridhar begins with a detailed history, asking about the child’s symptoms, family history of heart disease, prenatal history if relevant, birth details, developmental milestones, and any previous medical evaluations. She performs a thorough physical examination, listening carefully to the heart and lungs, assessing the pulse, checking blood pressure (appropriately sized for the child), and observing overall wellness. For most consultations, she performs or arranges echocardiography on the same day, allowing real-time visualization of the heart’s structure and function. This combination of history, physical examination, and imaging typically allows her to formulate an assessment and treatment plan during the initial visit.
Dr. Sridhar’s communication style, based on patient accounts, emphasises clarity and accessibility. She explains findings in language families that can be understood, avoiding medical jargon unless she has defined the terms. She discusses treatment options, explaining advantages and disadvantages of different approaches rather than imposing a single recommendation. She appears genuinely interested in families’ questions and concerns, creating space for discussion rather than rushing to a conclusion.
For complex cases requiring intervention, she typically schedules a follow-up visit to discuss procedural details, answer additional questions, and allow time for family adjustment to the diagnosis and proposed treatment. This phased approach to serious diagnoses respects the emotional impact of discovering a child has a significant health problem and acknowledges that families often need time to process information before making major decisions.
Managing Pediatric Heart Conditions: Dr. Sridhar’s Comprehensive Approach
Dr. Sridhar’s management of pediatric heart disease reflects a philosophy that extends far beyond intervening in acute problems. She emphasizes prevention of complications, optimization of growth and development, education of families about their child’s condition, and thoughtful timing of interventions when multiple treatment options exist.
For children with moderate structural heart defects that may close spontaneously or cause no significant compromise, she typically recommends observation with periodic echocardiographic assessment. This conservative approach avoids unnecessary intervention in children whose defects may never require treatment. In contrast, for children with defects causing significant hemodynamic compromise, she works carefully with families to time intervention to optimize outcomes. For some conditions, catheter-based intervention proves ideal; for others, surgical repair remains superior; for some, hybrid approaches combining surgical and catheter techniques offer advantages neither approach alone provides.
Her management of children with arrhythmias reflects the same thoughtful approach. Some arrhythmias respond readily to medication; others require radiofrequency ablation for cure; still others require device therapy. She matches treatment approaches to individual patient circumstances rather than applying a standard protocol to all cases.
For children with heart failure—whether from dilated cardiomyopathy, complex congenital disease, or other causes—she employs comprehensive medication regimens, lifestyle modifications, and in appropriate cases, device therapy. Her publications on stroke prevention in heart failure patients indicate that she’s thinking deeply about complications of these conditions and how to prevent them.
For children with pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease, she considers not only whether intervention on the heart defect is indicated, but how to optimize pulmonary vascular function and prevent progression of pulmonary vascular disease. Her expertise here extends beyond simple procedural planning to comprehensive physiologic management.
Throughout all of this, her multilingual fluency and communication skills ensure that families from diverse backgrounds understand their child’s condition and participate meaningfully in treatment decisions.
Appointment Booking: Step-by-Step Guide
Arranging a consultation with Dr. Anuradha Sridhar involves straightforward steps. Families can visit www.apollohospitals.com and search for “Dr. Anuradha Sridhar” to view available appointment slots. The online system allows selection of preferred dates and times, entry of patient information, and online payment. Confirmation arrives via email and SMS.
Alternatively, the Apollo247 app and website (www.apollo247.com) provide another convenient booking platform with real-time availability. This platform also offers the option to book online video consultations for follow-up appointments, which proves particularly convenient for families living at a distance.
For those preferring phone contact, calling Apollo Children’s Hospital and requesting an appointment with Dr. Anuradha Sridhar is straightforward. Staff will discuss available slots and guide the booking process. Walk-in registration at the hospital is also an option, though appointment slots may not be available immediately for walk-in requests.
Third-party health platforms, including HexaHealth (phone: 8512830995), Lybrate, Vaidam, and JustDial, also facilitate appointments. When using these platforms, families should be aware that they may charge booking fees in addition to the doctor’s consultation fee.
Consultation fees are transparent: physical consultations at the clinic range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, while online video consultations are priced at ₹2,000. Most major health insurance plans are accepted at Apollo Hospitals; families should verify their coverage with their insurance provider if applicable.
For emergency cardiac situations, families should go directly to Apollo Hospitals’ emergency department, where Dr. Sridhar or colleagues in her department will evaluate the child urgently. The emergency department operates 24 hours daily.
Contact Information and Hospital Details
Apollo Children’s Hospital is located at Number 15, Shafee Mohammed Road in the Thousand Lights area of Chennai, with a nearby landmark being Apollo Heart Centre. The main telephone line connects families to the hospital reception, where they can request the pediatric cardiology department specifically. The hospital’s website (www.apollohospitals.com) provides contact numbers and additional information about facilities.
Consultation hours with Dr. Anuradha Sridhar run Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The hospital is closed on Sundays. Ample parking is available, important for families managing the stress of bringing a child to a medical appointment. Multiple online appointment booking systems ensure that families can arrange consultations at a time convenient to their schedules and circumstances.
For international patients or those requiring special arrangements, Apollo Hospitals maintains an international patient services department that can coordinate visa assistance, travel arrangements, translators, and other services necessary for families coming from distant locations.
Conclusion: Trust, Expertise, and Compassion
Dr. Anuradha Sridhar has built a career and reputation around a simple principle: children with heart disease deserve access to the most skilled physicians combined with genuine compassion and family-centered care. Her 17+ years of dedicated experience in pediatric cardiology, advanced qualifications including international training, active research and educational contributions, and exceptional patient ratings demonstrate consistent excellence across multiple dimensions.
What perhaps distinguishes her most is the consistent testimony from families that she possesses both technical mastery and human warmth—rare qualities that don’t always coexist. She listens to families, explains complex conditions in language they understand, involves them in treatment decisions, and treats their children with the care one might expect if they were her own family members.
For families in Chennai facing a child’s cardiac diagnosis or seeking expert evaluation of heart symptoms, Dr. Anuradha Sridhar represents an exceptional resource. Her expertise spans the entire spectrum of pediatric heart disease, from prenatal assessment through management of the most complex cases. Her commitment to her patients extends beyond clinical care to ensuring they receive not merely competent treatment, but compassionate, family-centred care that acknowledges the emotional and practical challenges of navigating pediatric heart disease.
The path from diagnosis of a child’s heart condition to successful treatment can be difficult and frightening. Choosing the right pediatric cardiologist—someone who combines exceptional clinical skill with genuine empathy—represents one of the most important decisions families can make. Dr Anuradha Sridhar’s background, achievements, and patient testimonials suggest she deserves serious consideration for families seeking expert pediatric cardiac care in Chennai and South India.