How common are congenital heart defects?

CHDs are the most common type of birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 newborns worldwide.

Are congenital heart defects treatable?

Yes, many congenital heart defects are treatable through various interventions, including medication, catheter procedures, surgery, and heart transplantation.

Can congenital heart defects be detected before birth?

Yes, some congenital heart defects can be detected during prenatal ultrasounds or fetal echocardiograms performed during pregnancy.

Can congenital heart defects be prevented?

While not all congenital heart defects can be prevented, women can reduce their risk of having a baby with a CHD by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, and seeking appropriate prenatal care.

Congenital heart defect

What is a congenital heart defect?

Congenital heart defect (CHD) encompasses a variety of birth defects that alter the normal functioning of the heart.

The term "congenital" indicates that the condition is present from birth.

Risk factors

In many instances, the cause of congenital heart disease remains unidentified. Nevertheless, certain factors are recognized to heighten the risk of the condition, including:

1. Down syndrome: A genetic disorder impacting a baby's physical development and contributing to learning difficulties.

2. Maternal exposure to specific infections, such as rubella, during pregnancy.

3. Maternal consumption of certain medications during pregnancy, such as statins and specific acne treatments.

4. Maternal smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

5. Poorly managed type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy.

6. Other chromosome abnormalities, wherein genetic alterations may be present and potentially inherited within families.

Signs of symptoms

Congenital heart disease can manifest various symptoms, especially in infants and young children, such as:

1. Rapid heartbeat

2. Fast breathing

3. Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes

4. Profound tiredness and fatigue

5. Bluish discoloration of the skin or lips (cyanosis)

6. Fatigue and rapid breathing during feeding in infants

While these issues may be evident shortly after birth, mild defects might not present symptoms until later stages of life.

Living with Congenital heart defect (CHD)

As advancements in medical care and treatment continue to progress, infants born with congenital heart defects (CHDs) are experiencing longer and healthier lives. Many children diagnosed with CHD are now thriving well into adulthood. While some manage their condition with minimal disruption to their daily lives, others may experience progressive disabilities over time. Additionally, some individuals with CHDs may have associated genetic conditions or other health issues that further impact their health outcomes.

Despite significant improvements in treatments, many individuals with CHD cannot be fully cured, even following corrective surgeries. Depending on the specific type, number, and severity of the heart defects, individuals with CHDs may encounter various health challenges as they age. These may include irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), an increased susceptibility to heart muscle infections (infective endocarditis), or cardiac weakness (cardiomyopathy). Regular check-ups with a cardiologist are essential for individuals with CHDs to monitor their health status and address any emerging concerns promptly. Furthermore, some individuals may require additional surgeries or interventions as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers and adhering to regular follow-up appointments is crucial for individuals with CHD to optimize their overall health and well-being. By actively engaging in their care and discussing their specific heart condition with their healthcare team, individuals with CHDs can effectively manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives.