Diseases & Problems - Congenital Heart Disease

What exactly does this do to different parts of this body system (Cardiovascular System)?

Congenital, present at birth, heart diseases affect the child’s heart and its structure.

Cardiovascular defects consist of obstructed blood flow, holes in the heart, heart valve

abnormalities, abnormal blood vessels, an underdeveloped heart, and a combination of these

defects. Complications of the cardiovascular system include ​slower growth and development,

congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, cyanosis, emotional issues, stroke, and a need

for lifelong follow-up.

When the heart is beating too fast, too slowly, or irregularly, also known as arrhythmias,

or abnormal heart rhythms are labled as heart rhythm problems. Artial fibrillation is found as a

common type of serious arrhythmia, in which the two upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat

irregularly and fast, although, most are harmless. Arrhythmias can cause, shortness of breath,

dizziness, and fatigue, also increasing the risk of suffering a stroke. Some arrhythmias could be

treated with drugs and some need defibrillation to reset and normalize electrical activity.

What causes this problem?

Although​ researchers aren't sure what exactly causes most of these defects. To their

conclusions, genetics, certain medical conditions, some medications and environmental factors,

such as smoking, may cause this problem.

Can this be prevented?

The exact causes of congenital heart defects are unknown, so it may not be possible to

prevent these conditions. There are things that may lessen the overall risk of your child having

these issues and possibly heart defects: keep up with flu and rubella vaccinations, avoid alcohol
and medication during pregnancy, intake 400 micrograms of folic acid supplement during the

first trimester of pregnancy, try natural remedies and over the counter medications if needed,

avoid those who are known to have infection, keep diabetes under control if diagnosed with it,

and avoid exposure of organic solvents.

Can this be treated? If so, how?

Treatments of the congenital heart include procedures using catheterization, open heart

surgery, heart transplant, and medications. Some long-term treatments are lifelong monitoring

and treatment, exercise restrictions, and infection prevention.

How common/rare is this?

Congenital heart defects are the most widely recognized sort of birth imperfection. They

influence 8 out of each 1,000 infants. Every year, in excess of 35,000 children in the United

States are brought into the world with congenital heart defects. A large number of these

deformities are straightforward conditions. They require no treatment or are effectively settled. A

few infants are born with complex forms of congenital heart defects. These deformities require

special medical consideration not long after birth.

Anything else interesting or important about this problem? (Fun Facts)

- Serious heart defects can be diagnosed while the baby is still in the womb, if not,

some time after birth. A few imperfections aren't analyzed until some other time

in adolescence, or even in adulthood.

- Treatment relies upon the sort and seriousness of the deformity.

- An echocardiogram is an imperative test for both diagnosing a heart issue and

following the issue after some time. This test determined issues to have how the

heart is framed and how well it's functioning. Different tests incorporate

EKG(electrocardiogram), beat oximetry, chest x-ray, and heart catheterization.

- In the United States, more than one million grown-ups are living with congenital

heart defects.