Congenital heart disease represents one of the most prevalent types of birth defects, characterized by abnormalities in the heart's structure and the associated blood vessels. This condition can result in symptoms such as cyanosis, leg swelling, rapid heart rate, and fatigue. Dr. Pankaj Sugaonkar, an interventional pediatric cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, stated, “Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) rank among the most frequent birth defects, affecting approximately one in every 100 live births. Although significant progress has been made in medical science, early detection remains crucial for improving outcomes in affected children. CHDs can be classified into two categories: cyanotic heart diseases and cyanotic heart diseases.”

Congenital heart disease: Types

• Acyanotic heart disease: Abnormal mixing of oxygenated (pure) and deoxygenated (impure) blood. It can lead to Volume Overload defects or pressure overload defects.
• Cyanotic heart disease: Defects in which mixing of deoxygenated with oxygenated leads to a reduction in blood oxygen levels as a whole. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC), and Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) are some varieties commonly seen. Cyanosis (blue colour on the skin), poor growth, and retardation are obvious symptoms.

Congenital heart disease: Types of treatment

Congenital heart disease is usually detected by Electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and 2D echocardiography. Know the treatment procedures:

• Small-sized defects and less serious valve closures hardly require intervention or treatment.
• Moderate defects are treated temporarily with pills. If still problematic, correction or device implantation through surgery will have to follow.
• ASD, VSD, and PDA are treatable with lesser invasive device implantation procedures.
• Pressure overload diseases like aortic stenosis and pulmonary stenosis are treated with dilatation under balloon procedure.
• Cyanotic CHD involves open heart surgery, but the timing must be chosen according to the extent.

Congenital heart disease: Prevention tips

“Congenital heart defects, while common, can be effectively managed with timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention. Advancements in treatment methods ensure that children born with CHD can lead healthy lives. Early neonatal screening and preventive measures play a critical role in improving outcomes for these children,” explained Dr Pankaj Sugaonkar.

Here are a few prevention tips to keep in mind:

• If one child in a family has CHD, the risk for the second child is 3%. If two children have CHD, the risk increases to 10% for a third child.
• Fetal echocardiography is recommended during pregnancy for early detection.
• Studies show that taking folic acid supplements before conception reduces CHD risk by 22%.
• Pregnant women must avoid alcohol and smoking, and maintaining normal blood sugar levels is crucial.

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