Congenital heart disease is a structural abnormality of the heart present at birth. The defect is usually present in the blood vessels near the heart, which obstructing the blood flow. There are two types of congenital disease: cyanotic (the skin becomes blue in colour due to lack of oxygen) and non cyanotic. The exact cause of the disease is not identified in most cases. However, retinoic acids, chemicals, alcohol and infection with rubella virus during pregnancy may be a factor for congenital heart problems.
According to a study published in the India Academy of Paediatrics, congenital heart disease is a condition seen in every 3.9 births per 1000 births in India. As described by Dr Amar Singhal, ‘ Congenital heart disease is a defect in the heart at the time of birth. It is the structural or functional malfunctioning of the heart that is caused during its formation. While in some cases these defects are caught right after birth, in other cases it may be reported later on in the child’s life.’
According to Dr Amar Singhal, ‘The cause of congenital heart disease is unknown, but it is believed that the defect occurs when there is some obstruction in the formation of the foetus’ heart. The heart of the foetus is formed from a tube-like structure, around the fifth week of pregnancy. Any factor that stops this formation can lead to congenital heart disease.’
There are a number of things that can lead to this condition in a baby, including genetic predisposition, if the baby has Down ’s syndrome, if the mother suffers from conditions like diabetes (type 1 and type 2,but not gestational diabetes), infections like rubella or flu, takes medication like anti seizure medication, pain killers like ibuprofen, or anti acne medication. Other factors like smoking and drinking alcohol while pregnant, can also lead to this condition in a baby.
Read about 6 risk-factors of heart disease.
The common symptoms a child may suffer from vary, but Dr Amar says that the common symptoms a parent should look out for are –
The preliminary diagnosis is based on the symptoms that the child comes to the doctor with, but confirming the disease is done by clinical examination like –
Dr Amar says, ‘A child has both medical and surgical options depending on the severity of the symptoms. Usually if the symptoms of the child persist or he/she is not responding to medical intervention, a doctor may opt for surgical intervention.’ ‘The treatment can cost anywhere two to three lakhs depending on the severity of the condition.’
What questions should a parent ask their doctor before opting for a treatment plan and during diagnosis?
Dr Amar says that this is a very taxing time for parents, and can be quite confusing too. He suggests that parents should ask their doctor about the chances of survival of their child after the treatment, how difficult it will be for the child to cope, what should they be ready for after the treatment (any disabilities or special needs the child may have), what the complications of the surgery are and what is the doctor’s prognosis for the child.
The content has been verified by Dr Amar Singhal, HOD, Cardiology, Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.
‘A child can definitely live normally once they are treated appropriately. In fact one of the most common questions I get from parents of girl babies with this condition is – will she be able to have children despite having CHD? – And I say yes. She can carry a child to term and deliver absolutely normally. All this, barring the fact that a woman does not have any complications in her pregnancy,’ says Dr Amar.
Here are few things a mother can do during her pregnancy to help avoid this condition. Dr Amar advices that a pregnant women should avoid
In the below article, we help you to understand the importance of timely screening for critical congenital heart disease in new born children. Read on.
Dr Mayuresh Pradhan is here to help you clear all your doubts regarding heart bypass surgery.
So, what do young people, who are already focusing on their health, do to avoid heart issues?
Congenital heart disease is due to birth defects in the heart and can be the cause of serious health complications later on in life. On World Heart Day, read on to know more.
A high level of uric acid or hyperuricemia is known to be behind the inflammatory condition gout. But it may also cause heart failure and heart attacks. Read on to know more.
Swollen ankles are usually harmless. But, at times, it may indicate some serious health disorder. Read on to know more.
Did you know that Bollywood actress Madhubala reportedly suffered from congenital heart disease? On her birth anniversary, an expert looks at how early diagnosis of heart defects in children should be followed up by early intervention.
On the occasion of 72nd Independence Day to free children from cardiac ailments, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital Inaugurated free cardiac screening camp
Kids with this medical condition are often said to have a congenital heart defect.
'With time, his nails and tongue also started turning blue. We understood this is something very serious and we decided to come to India for his treatment'
Individuals who are obese and suffering from atrial fibrillation may be able to reverse the effects of the heart condition by losing weight.
Cycles were provided on the spot for those who did not have one, bibs and helmets were distributed prior to the race.
As per research, proper diet and exercise can be beneficial for heart health.
According to the National Family Health Survey, the infant mortality rate (IMR) in India stands at 34 per 1000 live births. About 10 percent of these infant deaths are due to congenital heart diseases (CHD).
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. Know more.
If you consume cholesterol-lowering drug. Then, read this...
Ankita Ghag, Clinical nutritionist, Vacchan Aarogya and InBody, lists out some teas to help you tackle various ailments
Compared to the slow walkers, fast walkers had a 37 percent lower likelihood of hospitalisation in three years, the findings showed.
If you have developed a spare tyre, it is time you saw a doctor to assess your cardiovascular health.
Faster walking patients with heart disease are hospitalised less, a recent study has found.
A rare heart procedure helped save 5-year-old Soham Waghmare to lead a normal life.
Researchers found 43 percent higher risk of any cardiovascular hospitalisation in women whose offspring had critical heart defects.
Patients who were treated for breast cancer or lymphoma are more than three times at risk of developing congestive heart failure.
No, you cannot blame genes for a heart attack, read to know why!
In the below article, we help you to understand the importance of timely screening for critical congenital heart disease in new born children. Read on.
Dr Mayuresh Pradhan is here to help you clear all your doubts regarding heart bypass surgery.
So, what do young people, who are already focusing on their health, do to avoid heart issues?
Congenital heart disease is due to birth defects in the heart and can be the cause of serious health complications later on in life. On World Heart Day, read on to know more.
A high level of uric acid or hyperuricemia is known to be behind the inflammatory condition gout. But it may also cause heart failure and heart attacks. Read on to know more.
Swollen ankles are usually harmless. But, at times, it may indicate some serious health disorder. Read on to know more.
Did you know that Bollywood actress Madhubala reportedly suffered from congenital heart disease? On her birth anniversary, an expert looks at how early diagnosis of heart defects in children should be followed up by early intervention.
On the occasion of 72nd Independence Day to free children from cardiac ailments, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital Inaugurated free cardiac screening camp
Kids with this medical condition are often said to have a congenital heart defect.
'With time, his nails and tongue also started turning blue. We understood this is something very serious and we decided to come to India for his treatment'
Individuals who are obese and suffering from atrial fibrillation may be able to reverse the effects of the heart condition by losing weight.
Cycles were provided on the spot for those who did not have one, bibs and helmets were distributed prior to the race.
As per research, proper diet and exercise can be beneficial for heart health.
According to the National Family Health Survey, the infant mortality rate (IMR) in India stands at 34 per 1000 live births. About 10 percent of these infant deaths are due to congenital heart diseases (CHD).
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. Know more.
If you consume cholesterol-lowering drug. Then, read this...
Ankita Ghag, Clinical nutritionist, Vacchan Aarogya and InBody, lists out some teas to help you tackle various ailments
Compared to the slow walkers, fast walkers had a 37 percent lower likelihood of hospitalisation in three years, the findings showed.
If you have developed a spare tyre, it is time you saw a doctor to assess your cardiovascular health.
Faster walking patients with heart disease are hospitalised less, a recent study has found.
A rare heart procedure helped save 5-year-old Soham Waghmare to lead a normal life.
Researchers found 43 percent higher risk of any cardiovascular hospitalisation in women whose offspring had critical heart defects.
Patients who were treated for breast cancer or lymphoma are more than three times at risk of developing congestive heart failure.
No, you cannot blame genes for a heart attack, read to know why!
