Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a term that encompasses a variety of structural heart defects that are present at birth. These conditions arise during the early stages of fetal development when the heart forms. In the U.S., about 40,000 babies are born each year with congenital heart defects. These are the most common congenital disabilities. Some heart defects are minor and need no treatment, while others can cause severe complications and require immediate medical help. Early detection and advancements in medical treatment have significantly improved outcomes for children and adults living with congenital heart disease.

What is Congenital Heart Disease?

Congenital heart disease is a group of defects in the heart’s structure. These defects occur when the heart forms in the early stages of fetal development. These abnormalities can affect the heart’s walls, valves, or blood vessels, leading to improper blood flow through the heart and body. Congenital heart disease can vary in severity. Some defects cause mild symptoms, while others lead to critical health issues that need surgery soon after birth.

Types of Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart defects can be categorized based on how they affect blood flow through the heart:

Defects Causing Increased Blood Flow to the Lungs

• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): This defect occurs when a blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, fails to close after birth. It allows oxygen-rich blood to flow back into the lungs.
• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): An opening between the heart’s two upper chambers (atria) leads to abnormal blood flow.
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall separating the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) allows blood to flow from the left ventricle back into the right ventricle.

Defects Causing Decreased Blood Flow to the Lungs

• Tricuspid Atresia: The tricuspid valve does not form properly, preventing blood from flowing from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
• Pulmonary Atresia: The pulmonary valve is underdeveloped, obstructing blood flow to the lungs.
• Tetralogy of Fallot: This condition consists of four heart defects, including a ventricular septal defect and narrowing of the pulmonary valve.

Defects Leading to Insufficient Blood Flow to the Body

• Coarctation of the Aorta: A narrowing of the aorta obstructs blood flow to the lower body.
• Aortic Stenosis: The aortic valve is narrowed, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the body.
• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS): The left side of the heart is underdeveloped, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively.

Causes of Congenital Heart Disease

While the exact causes of congenital heart disease are unclear, several factors may contribute to the development of heart defects during pregnancy:

• Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of congenital heart defects. Changes in genes can occur randomly or be inherited from parents.
• Maternal Health: Diabetes and phenylketonuria (PKU) can impact fetal heart development. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, including a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, and not smoking, is crucial. These factors can potentially reduce the risk of congenital heart defects in babies.
• Infections: Maternal infections, such as rubella (German measles), can affect the baby’s heart development.
• Substance Exposure: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medications taken during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital heart defects.

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease

Symptoms of congenital heart disease vary by defect type and severity. Some infants may show signs right after birth. Others may not show symptoms until later in childhood or adulthood. Adults who may not have had their condition detected at birth can also show symptoms like irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or unexplained fatigue. Symptoms include:

• Cyanosis: A bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
• Rapid Breathing: Difficulty breathing or fast breathing patterns, especially during feeding.
• Fatigue: Unusual tiredness during activities or feeding.
• Heart Murmur: An abnormal heartbeat sound often detected by a doctor.

Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease

Diagnosing congenital heart disease usually involves a mix of exams, imaging tests, and specialized procedures.

• Prenatal Screening: Fetal echocardiograms can identify heart defects during pregnancy. This ultrasound test provides detailed images of the baby’s heart.
• Newborn Screening: Pulse oximetry measures oxygen levels in the baby’s blood shortly after birth. Low oxygen levels may indicate a congenital heart defect.
• Diagnostic Tests: For children and adults, additional tests such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and cardiac catheterization may be performed to assess heart function and structure.

Treatment Options for Congenital Heart Disease

Treatment for congenital heart disease depends on the specific defect and its severity. Options include:

• Monitoring: Some mild defects may not require immediate treatment and can be monitored over time.
• Medications: Certain medications can help manage symptoms or improve heart function.
• Surgical Interventions: Many congenital heart defects require surgical repair, which may be performed shortly after birth or at a later stage. Procedures can range from minimally invasive catheter-based repairs to open-heart surgery.
• Ongoing Care: Those with congenital heart disease often need regular follow-up with a cardiologist to monitor their heart health and address any complications.

Living with Congenital Heart Disease

Medical care has greatly improved the outlook for those with congenital heart disease. Many people with repaired heart defects lead healthy, active lives. Ongoing care is essential to manage potential complications that may arise later in life.

Importance of Regular Checkups

Routine checkups with a doctor are crucial for monitoring heart health. These visits allow for early detection of any issues and adjustments to treatment plans as needed.

Lifestyle Considerations

Living with congenital heart disease may involve certain lifestyle adjustments. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and for adults, avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol can contribute to overall well-being.

Supporting Your Journey to Heart Health

Congenital heart disease can affect people of all ages, from babies to adults. Thanks to better medical care, many children with heart problems can grow up to lead healthy lives. However, it is important to keep getting checkups to help find and treat any new issues early. At Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health, we’re here to help both kids and adults at every stage. Our caring team is dedicated to giving personalized care to keep your heart healthy. Contact us today for questions or to schedule an appointment with our dedicated team.

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