Types of congenital heart disease in babies

Congenital heart disease has different types, the types, symptoms and methods of diagnosis and treatment are discussed in this article.

What is congenital heart disease?

Congenital heart disease or congenital heart failure is a type of heart abnormality that is present from birth. This problem can affect the following:

- heart walls - valves of the heart - blood vessels

There are different types of congenital heart defects. They range from simple diseases (which have no symptoms) to complex problems that cause severe and life-threatening symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one million adults and one million children in the United States live with congenital heart defects. Treatments and follow-up care for these conditions have improved dramatically over the past few decades, so that almost all children with congenital heart defects survive into adulthood. Some will need ongoing care for their heart defect throughout their lives. However, some continue to live active and productive lives despite their illness.

Types of congenital heart diseases

Although there are many types of congenital heart defects; But they can be divided into 3 general categories, which are: ### Heart valve defect In heart valve defects, the internal heart valves that direct blood flow may close or leak. These conditions permanently interfere with the heart's ability to pump blood. ### Heart wall defect In heart wall defects, the natural walls that exist between the left and right sides and the upper and lower atria of the heart may not develop properly, causing blood to back up into the heart or collect where it is not appropriate. This defect puts pressure on the heart to work harder, leading to heart failure. ### Defects of blood vessels In blood vessel defects, the arteries and veins that bring blood to the heart and return it to the body may not function properly. This reduces or blocks blood flow, which leads to various health complications.

Cyanotic and non-cyanotic congenital heart disease

Many doctors classify congenital heart disease as cyanotic congenital heart disease and non-cyanotic heart disease. In both types, the heart does not pump blood efficiently. The main difference is that cyanotic congenital heart disease causes low levels of oxygen in the blood, and non-cyanotic congenital heart disease does not. Babies with reduced oxygen may experience shortness of breath and their skin may turn blue. Babies who do not have enough oxygen in their blood do not show these symptoms; But they may later suffer complications such as heart failure.

What are the symptoms of congenital heart disease?

Congenital heart defects are often detected during pregnancy ultrasound. For example, if your doctor hears an abnormal heartbeat, he or she may investigate the matter further by performing certain tests. These investigations include fetal heart echo, chest X-ray or MRI scan. If a diagnosis is made, your doctor should ensure that appropriate specialists are available during the delivery. Know the symptoms of heart disease in children In some cases, symptoms of a congenital heart defect may not appear until shortly after birth. Babies with heart defects may experience:

- Bruised lips, skin, fingers and toes - Shortness of breath or shortness of breath - Eating problems - Low birth weight - Delayed growth

In other cases, symptoms of a heart defect may not appear until years after birth. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

- Irregular heartbeat - dizziness - breathing problem - Fainting - inflation - fatigue

What factors cause congenital heart disease?

Congenital heart disease occurs as a result of an early developmental problem in the structure of the heart. The defect usually interferes with the normal flow of blood through the heart, which may affect breathing. Although researchers aren't sure exactly why the heart can't grow properly, some reasons for this problem could include:

- Heart defects may run in families - Consumption of certain prescribed drugs during pregnancy puts the child at risk of heart defects - Using alcohol or illegal drugs during pregnancy can increase the possibility of the child suffering from heart defects - Mothers who have a viral infection in the first trimester of pregnancy are more likely to give birth to a child with a heart defect - Increased blood sugar levels, which occurs due to diabetes, may affect the child's development

How is congenital heart disease treated?

Congenital defect treatment depends on the type and severity of the defect Some babies have mild heart defects that improve on their own over time. Other babies may have severe heart defects that require extensive treatment. In these cases, treatment can include the following: ### Medicines There are various medications that can help the heart function better. Some can help prevent blood clots or control a regular heartbeat. ### Implantable cardiac devices Some of the complications associated with congenital heart defects can be prevented with the use of special devices, including pacemakers and implantable vasodilators (ICDs). A pacemaker helps regulate an irregular heartbeat, and a vasodilator can correct a life-threatening irregular heartbeat. ### Angiography method Angiographic techniques allow doctors to treat congenital heart defects without open heart surgery. During these approaches, the doctor inserts a thin tube into the leg vein and leads it to the heart. Once the catheter is in the correct position, the doctor uses small instruments that are passed through the catheter to correct the defect. ### Open heart surgery This type of operation is needed if non-invasive methods are not enough to repair the congenital heart defect. A surgeon may perform open heart surgery to repair heart valves, to close holes in the heart, or to widen blood vessels. ### Heart transplant In rare cases where heart defect repair is too complicated, a heart transplant may be needed. During this approach, the baby's heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor. Congenital heart disease in adults

Depending on the defect, diagnosis and treatment may begin shortly after birth, in childhood, or in adulthood. Some defects do not cause symptoms until the child is older, so diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. In these cases, symptoms of a newly discovered congenital heart defect include:

- shortness of breath - chest pain - Reduced ability to exercise - getting bored easily

Congenital heart disease treatment in adults can vary depending on the severity of the heart defect. Some people may only need close monitoring of their condition, and others may need medication and surgery. In some cases, defects that are treated in childhood can cause problems again in adulthood. The initial repair may no longer be effective or the initial defect may worsen over time. Scar tissue around the primary repair may cause problems such as cardiac arrhythmia. Regardless of your condition, seeing a doctor and following up on care is very important. Treatment may not solve your problem, but it will help you stay active and productive in life. It also reduces the risk of serious complications of this disease, such as heart infections, heart failure and stroke.

How can congenital heart disease be prevented?