Congenital heart disease is a structural abnormality or dysfunction of the heart that pre-exists in a baby before birth. This heart disease is caused by abnormalities in heart formation and development during embryonic development and continues after the baby is born. Congenital heart disease is one of the most common serious conditions in infants and young children, and it can have a huge impact on a child's life and development.
The causes of congenital heart disease are complex, but most often are caused by abnormal heart development or genetic mutations in the fetus during embryonic development. Some common congenital heart diseases include atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, etc. These abnormalities can cause the heart to not pump blood properly, or cause blood to mix between arteries and veins, which can affect the blood supply and oxygen to various organs in the body**. Some congenital heart diseases can be detected after a baby is born, while others can take years for symptoms to appear.
The symptoms and severity of congenital heart disease vary from case to case. Some children may show noticeable symptoms such as stunted growth, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, or heart murmurs in the first or early stages of life. Other children may have no or very mild symptoms at a young age, but as they age, they may develop problems such as fatigue, decreased exercise tolerance or irregular heartbeats.
The diagnosis of congenital heart disease usually requires a detailed physical examination, auscultation, and some heart-related tests, such as echocardiography** or cardiac catheterization. **Methods usually depend on the severity of the condition and symptoms. Some children may not require surgical intervention, but only regular monitoring and medications**. However, for some serious congenital heart diseases, surgical repair or heart transplantation may be the only** option.
Congenital heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide. Although advances in medical technology and methods have made it possible for many children with congenital heart disease to be effectively managed, many children still lose their lives due to serious heart problems. Therefore, it is important to identify and confirm the diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Auscultation of newborns and associated screening tests can help detect conditions early, which can help with ** and management.
In addition, for couples with a family history of heart disease, it is advisable to consult a doctor and get relevant genetic testing before pregnancy if they are planning to become pregnant. This can help them understand the possible risks and risk management measures that can reduce the likelihood of having a baby with congenital heart disease.
In conclusion, congenital heart disease is a structural abnormality or dysfunction of the heart that develops during fetal development. Although congenital heart disease can have a serious impact on a child's life and development, with the continuous advancement of medical technology, many children with it can be effectively managed**, providing them with a better quality of life and a longer life. Strengthening the prevention, screening and development of congenital heart disease is an important measure to ensure the healthy growth of infants and young children. December Creation Incentive Program