Among the diseases which affect infants, Congenital Heart Disease is one of the most common. It is caused by an abnormality in the heart valves. It is usually detected by a physical examination and a cardiac catheterization. In some cases, it can also be detected by testing the blood. There are several treatment options for this disease.
Diagnostic tests
During pregnancy, a woman can expect to have many diagnostic tests performed on her baby. These tests will determine if her baby has a congenital heart defect. These tests may also identify other problems that may be affecting her child.
The most common birth defect is congenital heart disease. It is estimated that 1 in 120 babies born in the United States has a congenital heart defect. The condition is characterized by structural abnormalities in the great vessels of the heart. These problems can be simple or complex, and they can lead to complications in adulthood. Some defects are treatable with medications, while others require surgery.
During a physical examination, the doctor will listen to the child’s heart using a stethoscope. If the doctor notices that the child has irregular heart sounds, he may order additional diagnostic tests. This can include an electrocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, or a fetal echocardiogram. A fetal echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound to look at the heart and its chambers. The heart chambers are seen moving, allowing the doctor to determine the heart’s size and shape.
Chest x-rays can also be used to determine if a baby has a heart defect. This test gives cardiologists information about the heart and its size, as well as its size and shape in relation to the lungs. X-rays also provide a cardiologist with a picture of the heart’s blood vessels.
If a baby has CCHD, he or she will need to receive treatment right away. Depending on the severity of the defect, treatments may include medicines to control irregular heartbeats, prevent blood clots, or keep the heart functioning properly. In some cases, a heart transplant may be necessary. Depending on the age of the child, he or she may also need regular checkups and follow-up care.
If the child has a mild congenital heart defect, he or she may only need periodic health checkups. If the defect is more severe, he or she may need ongoing monitoring into adulthood. Some types of congenital heart disease can be repaired with catheter-based treatments, although surgery may be necessary.
An MRI scan is another diagnostic test used to determine if a baby has congenital heart disease. This test produces cross-sectional images of the heart and blood vessels. It also can detect an aneurysm, which is a potentially life-threatening bulge in a blood vessel wall.
Some congenital heart problems are treatable with medicines or a heart transplant. These treatments can improve the condition of the heart and its surrounding structures. They are also used to treat some types of congenital heart disease in adults. They include mitral valve problems and pulmonary hypertension.
Some people with congenital heart defects also develop an aneurysm. This is a life-threatening bulge in a blood artery wall. This can occur during pregnancy or after birth. A cardiologist may determine if an aneurysm has developed by performing a CT scan.
Treatment options
Surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for congenital heart disease can help improve your quality of life. Congenital heart disease is a condition that occurs when a baby’s heart does not develop normally, usually due to genetic syndromes or the mother’s alcohol or drug use during pregnancy. Treatments for congenital heart disease vary depending on the defect and the patient’s age. Treatment may include medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
The first step to treating congenital heart disease is to determine the defect’s cause. This can be done through an electrocardiogram, cardiac MRI, or cardiac CT. These tests can help doctors find the exact location and nature of the defect, as well as how the defect affects organs and blood vessels. These tests also allow doctors to evaluate the condition and determine whether or not it is serious.
If the defect is serious, it may require surgery. The surgery may involve opening up the chest to access the heart. Then, a metal or fabric device is inserted into the heart to close the hole. This procedure is usually performed when the child is between 18 and 36 months old.
If the defect is not serious, the child may only need regular health checkups and medication. Medicines may be used to relieve symptoms and improve the heart’s ability to pump blood. Medication may also be used to reduce high blood pressure and control an irregular heartbeat. Some people may need medicines for the rest of their lives. Medications can also be used to prevent blood clots.
Some of the medications used to treat congenital heart disease are used to reduce blood pressure and ease the burden on the heart. These medications are often called beta-blockers and are commonly prescribed to patients with high blood pressure. The medications also help widen the arteries.
Other treatment options for congenital heart disease may involve catheter-based interventions, which are less invasive procedures. These surgeries may involve a thin tube inserted into the blood vessel through the groin. The catheter is guided toward the heart by an x-ray. In some cases, dye is injected into the heart arteries to help the blood vessels show up better in the images. This allows doctors to measure the flow of blood in the heart and assess whether it is able to pump blood properly.
Some of the more common surgeries for congenital heart disease are valve replacements and bypasses. These procedures may be done in one surgical procedure or in a series of operations. In some cases, the procedure may require a long-term follow-up care plan. In addition, patients who have undergone surgery in the past may need to undergo revisions to their previous repairs.
Another treatment option for congenital heart disease is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. This device can correct life-threatening irregular heartbeats.
Follow-up care
Those with congenital heart disease (CHD) will need to be followed up for many years. It is important to seek care from a cardiologist, who is specially trained in adult congenital heart disease. These physicians will be able to diagnose your condition, treat it, and recommend lifestyle changes that may help keep you healthy.
During a routine physical exam, your healthcare provider will listen to your heart with a stethoscope and look for any abnormalities. The doctor may also want to check the blood pressure and oxygen levels in your blood using a pulse oximeter. They may also suggest that you visit a therapist to help manage stress.
Congenital heart disease can vary in severity, from a simple problem that does not cause problems until adulthood to a complex one that may require multiple surgeries. For some types of congenital heart disease, your physician may recommend medications or lifestyle changes. For others, your doctor may suggest surgery. In some cases, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can correct irregular heartbeats, which are life-threatening.
When a child is born with a heart defect, he or she will be followed by a pediatric cardiologist. These physicians will help manage the child’s health before and after surgery. In addition, many children with congenital heart disease are able to participate in sports activities. However, there are some complications associated with these conditions, and all children with CHD will need regular follow-up care.
For babies born with critical congenital heart disease (CHD), surgery is usually required within the first year of life. Children with less serious heart problems will not need to see a doctor until they begin to show symptoms in childhood. Those with complex congenital heart disease will need to be followed closely and may require catheterization and other interventions.
Congenital heart disease is a common health problem, and the rate of survival has improved significantly over the years. However, there is still a need for improved diagnosis and follow-up care for those with CHD. During pregnancy, ultrasound and other tests may detect problems with your baby’s heart. If a parent has a history of CHD, your chances of having a child with the disease increase.
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your family’s medical history and what symptoms your child has. They will also listen to your child’s heart with a stethoscope. They may also suspect a heart defect when listening to your child’s heart.
Your healthcare provider will also ask you if you have any family history of heart problems. They may also recommend genetic testing. Genetic testing may be performed if you suspect that your child may have a genetic heart defect.
Your healthcare provider will also help you manage your child’s health before and after surgery. They may suggest therapists help with your child’s stress and other concerns. They may also recommend that you limit your child’s physical activity.
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