Heart disease is a leading cause of death around the world, and it can be a terrifying diagnosis to receive. Congenital heart disease is a type of heart disease that affects newborns.

It occurs when there’s a problem with the structure of the heart or blood flow through the heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1% of babies are born with congenital heart disease (CHD).

In this article, we’ll explore what congenital heart disease is, its types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Types of Congenital Heart Disease

There are several different types of congenital heart disease, depending on which part of the heart is affected. They include:.

1. Holes in the Heart

A hole in the heart is a common heart defect that happens when there’s an opening between the two chambers of the heart. There are two types of holes:.

i. Atrial septal defect.

This is a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart. This causes oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood.

ii. Ventricular septal defect.

This is a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart. This causes oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood.

2. Obstructive Defects

Obstructive defects occur when the blood flow exiting the heart encounters narrow or blocked blood vessels. Obstructive heart defects include:.

i. Coarctation of the aorta.

This is a narrowing of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart.

ii. Pulmonary stenosis.

This is a narrowing of the pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs.

3. Cyanotic Defects

Cyanotic defects cause low levels of oxygen in the blood. This can lead to a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails. Cyanotic heart defects include:.

i. Tetralogy of Fallot.

This is a combination of four heart defects: a hole in the heart, an obstruction from the heart to the lungs, the aorta overriding the ventricular septal defect, and thickened right ventricular muscle.

ii. Transposition of the great arteries.

This is when the pulmonary artery and aorta are switched so that the aorta is coming out of the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery is coming out of the left ventricle.

This causes oxygen-poor blood to bypass the lungs and go to the body rather than oxygen-rich blood.

Causes of Congenital Heart Disease

There are many things that can cause congenital heart disease. Some are genetic and passed down from a parent’s genes, while others are related to the environment the baby is in while inside the womb. They include:.

i. Genetic problems.

Some congenital heart defects are caused by a problem in a gene or a change in the baby’s chromosomes. Down syndrome is an example of genetic congenital heart disease.

ii. Environmental factors.

Babies can be more likely to develop a congenital heart defect if their mothers have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or if they take certain medications or drugs that are harmful to the developing baby.

iii. Unknown causes.

At times, the congenital heart disease can develop without any known causes.

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease

The symptoms of congenital heart disease can vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some babies may have mild symptoms, while others have more serious symptoms from birth or may develop symptoms later in life.

Some symptoms to look out for include:.

i. Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.

ii. Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails).

iii. Fatigue or easily tiring out.

iv. Poor weight gain or growth.

v. Delayed development and difficulty with normal activities.

vi. Shortness of breath during feeding or physical activity.

vii. Swelling in the legs, stomach, or areas around the eyes.

Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease

Doctors will usually discover congenital heart disease before or shortly after birth through routine checkups.

If your doctor suspects your baby has congenital heart disease, you may be referred to a pediatric cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart problems in children. Your doctor may use several methods to diagnose congenital heart disease:.

i. Physical examination.

Your doctor will listen to your baby’s heartbeat for any irregularities and check for any visible symptoms such as swelling or cyanosis.

The pediatric cardiologist may also perform a more extensive examination or additional tests if a heart condition is suspected.

ii. Ultrasound.

An ultrasound of your baby’s heart, also known as an echocardiogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. This allows doctors to see if there are any problems with the structure or function of the heart.

iii. Electrocardiogram (ECG).

This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can show if there are any heart rhythm abnormalities.

iv. Chest X-ray.

A chest X-ray may help doctors to see the size and shape of the heart and lungs. It can help discover any heart problems that may cause respiratory or lung problems.

Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease

The type of treatment a baby receives for congenital heart disease depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some mild conditions may not require treatment at all, while others may require one or more surgeries or other interventions.

Doctors will determine the best course of treatment for each child.

Some treatments include:.

i. Medications.

Some medications can help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, or help the heart function better. This can be helpful while planning for further treatment or after surgery.

ii. Surgery.

Some children with congenital heart disease may require surgery, depending on the type or severity of their condition. Some procedures include:.

a. Heart catheterization.

This is a procedure in which a long, thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and threaded to the heart. Through this tube, doctors can take images of the heart, measure the blood supply, and repair the defect in the heart.

b. Valve repair or replacement.

Some heart defects are caused by problems with the valves in the heart. Doctors can repair or replace these valves through surgery if necessary.

c. Open-heart surgery.

Some heart defects may require open-heart surgery. This is a procedure in which the chest is opened, and surgeons work on the heart directly.

Preventing Congenital Heart Disease

While some causes of congenital heart disease are unknown or out of one’s control, there are some things that parents can do to lower their child’s risk of developing congenital heart disease. Some preventative measures include:.

i. Managing chronic health conditions.

It’s essential to take care of chronic health conditions before and during pregnancy as some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of congenital heart disease.

ii. Avoiding harmful substances.

Avoiding exposure to harmful substances while pregnant, such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, can reduce the risk of congenital heart disease.

iii. Prenatal care.

Regular prenatal care is important to identify potential problems as early as possible, reduce any risk factors, and provide the necessary treatment before or immediately after birth.

Conclusion

Congenital heart disease, affecting 1% of newborns, is a complicated problem. While some people may go through their lives and never know they had a heart defect, others might need surgery or medications to manage the condition.

However, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and proper treatment can help children with congenital heart disease live healthy, fulfilling lives. Taking preventative measures can also lower the risk of a baby developing congenital heart disease.