Overview

Congenital heart disease refers to one or more structural problems with the heart that have existed since birth. The term "congenital" refers to a defect that is present from birth. Congenital heart disease, also known as congenital heart defect, can alter the flow of blood through your heart. The defects may be related to the heart walls, heart valves, arteries, and veins near the heart. Some congenital heart defects may not cause any complications. Complex defects, on the other hand, can result in life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease: 

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease include abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias, or Skin, lips, and fingernails have a bluish tint, or breathing problem, chest pain, slow growth of the child, low birth weight, tiring quickly upon exertion, or swelling of body tissue or organs

Risk Factors of Congenital Heart Disease:

Certain environmental and genetic risk factors, such as those listed below, may play a role in the development of congenital heart disease.

• Genes -   Congenital heart disease appears to be inherited and is linked to a variety of genetic syndromes. Children with Down syndrome, for example, frequently have heart defects. During a baby's development, genetic testing can detect Down syndrome and other disorders.
• Rubella (German measles). - Rubella infection during pregnancy may have an impact on how the baby's heart develops while in the womb.
• Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy can also have an impact on the development of a baby's heart. In general, gestational diabetes does not increase the risk of congenital heart disease.
• Medications - Certain medications can cause congenital heart disease and other birth defects if taken while pregnant.   Always inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
• Alcohol-   Drinking alcohol while pregnant increases the risk of a baby developing heart defects.
• Smoking - A pregnant woman who smokes increases her chances of having a child with a congenital heart defect.

Prevention:

There is often nothing you can do to prevent congenital heart disease. However, there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and your child.

• Before taking any medications, inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Inquire with your doctor about which chemicals or substances may be harmful to your baby.
• Get your blood sugar under control if you have diabetes or gestational diabetes.
• Early in your pregnancy, get a blood test to see if you are immune to rubella. If you aren't, get vaccinated as soon as possible after giving birth.

Treatment:

Medications or Congenital heart disease is frequently successfully treated in childhood. Some heart defects, on the other hand, may not be serious enough to repair during childhood, but they can cause problems as you get older.

The severity of your heart problem determines how you should be treated for congenital heart disease in adults. You may only need to be monitored, or you may require surgery.

If you are living in Delhi and looking for best cardiologists in Delhi, or you have query related to heart disease, or congenital heart defects, or best heart surgery options available in Delhi, make an appointment at Aakash Healthcare, Delhi today for proper and honest opinion.