Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are abnormalities present in the heart at birth. These defects can affect the heart’s walls, valves, and blood vessels.

CHD is one of the most common birth defects and affects approximately 8 out of every 1000 newborns.

Types of Congenital Heart Diseases

There are various types of CHD, and they can be classified into two categories – cyanotic and non-cyanotic.

Non-Cyanotic CHD

Non-cyanotic CHD is marked by a decrease in the oxygen levels in the blood, which can lead to shortness of breath, difficulty in eating, and fatigue. Examples of non-cyanotic CHD include:.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) – A hole in the wall between the two ventricles of the heart
Atrial septal defect (ASD) – A hole in the wall that separates the two atria of the heart
Pulmonary stenosis – Narrowing of the pulmonary valve
Coarctation of the aorta – Narrowing of a part of the aorta that leads to reduced blood flow

Cyanotic CHD

Cyanotic CHD is marked by a bluish tint in the skin, which can occur due to less oxygenated blood circulating throughout the body. Examples of cyanotic CHD include:.

Tetralogy of Fallot – This is a combination of four abnormalities, including VSD, pulmonary stenosis, displacement of the aorta, and enlargement of the right ventricle
Transposition of the great arteries – The aorta and pulmonary artery are switched, leading to a lack of oxygenated blood flow to the body
Tricuspid atresia – A defect where the tricuspid valve between the right atrium and ventricle is missing

Causes of Congenital Heart Diseases

There is no clear cause of CHD, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of a child having a heart defect at birth. These factors include:.

Genetic factors – CHD tends to run in families, so if a parent has a heart defect, the child is more likely to have one too
Environmental factors – Exposure to certain medications, chemicals, or infections during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of CHD
Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions such as Down syndrome can increase the risk of CHD

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Diseases

The symptoms of CHD can vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some common symptoms of CHD include:.

Difficulty in breathing
Abnormal heart rhythm
Fatigue or weakness
Chest pain
Poor growth/weight gain in infants

Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Heart Diseases

CHD is usually diagnosed during a routine fetal ultrasound or after birth during a physical exam. If CHD is suspected, additional tests such as echocardiograms, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

The treatment of CHD depends on the type and severity of the defect. Treatment options include:.

Medications – Certain medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms of CHD such as diuretics, which help to reduce fluid build-up in the body
Surgery – Surgery may be needed to repair or replace a heart valve or to close a hole in the heart. In more severe cases, a heart transplant may be needed
Heart catheterization – This involves inserting a small tube through a blood vessel into the heart to fix defects such as pulmonary stenosis or open a narrowed valve

Prevention of Congenital Heart Diseases

There is no known way to prevent CHD, but certain steps can reduce the likelihood of CHD occurring, such as:.

Preconception check-ups – It is important for women to have preconception checkups to identify any health issues that may affect pregnancy
Prenatal care – Proper prenatal care can help to reduce the risk of CHD developing during pregnancy
Healthy lifestyle – Adopting a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can help to reduce the risk of CHD

Conclusion

Congenital heart diseases are abnormalities that occur in the heart at birth and affect the heart’s walls, valves, or blood vessels. CHD is one of the most common birth defects and affects approximately 8 out of every 1000 newborns.

While there is no clear cause of CHD, certain factors can increase the likelihood of a child having a heart defect. The symptoms and treatment of CHD vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. While CHD cannot be prevented, certain steps can help to reduce the risk of CHD developing during pregnancy.