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There is no known way to prevent congenital heart defects, but there are things you can do to lower the chance that your baby will have a congenital heart defect. However, even after you lower the risks, your baby may still develop a congenital heart defect.
Congenital heart disease is heart disease in the newborn, and includes congenital heart defects, congenital arrythmias, and cardiomyopathies. Congenital heart disease, which is also referred to as CHD, is a defect of the heart that exists primarily at birth. CHD can describe a wide variety of different abnormalities affecting the heart. CHD occurs when the [...]
Patent ductus arteriosus
The opening of a passageway or temporary blood vessel to carry blood away from the heart to the aorta before birth. This allows blood to go around the lungs which are not yet used. The ductus should close suddenly in the first few hours or days after birth. When it does not close [...]
The most common signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects are:
A heart murmur
A bluish tint to skin, lips, and fingernails (”blue baby”)
Fast breathing
Shortness of breath
Doctors usually diagnose congenital heart defects during pregnancy or within the first few months after birth. Some children with less severe defects are not diagnosed until they are older and more demands are put on their hearts. Others are not diagnosed until they are adults.
Congenital heart disease has many diverse causes. Some factors are environmental, such as chemicals, drugs, or infection. However, the bulk of congenital heart disease is thought to be genetic in nature. Infections such as German measles (i.e. rubella) can produce congenital heart disease.
Doctors treat congenital heart defects with:
1. Medicines
2. Special procedures using catheters
3. Surgery
4. Heart transplants
