Infant heart problems, often presenting as congenital heart defects, are anatomical abnormalities caused by the defective growth of the heart during fetal development. Septal defects, misplacement of the major vessels, single ventricles and numerous other disorders can vary in severity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, septal defects, or single or multiple holes in the heart, account for the largest and most common type of birth defects causing infant heart problems.
Cause
The fetal heart forms between the sixth and 12th week of development, which is often before a woman realizes that she is pregnant. While a majority of heart defects have no identifiable cause, exposure and infection to certain bacteria, viruses and parasites during early pregnancy will put the fetus at risk for abnormal heart development. Group B Strep, Chickenpox, certain vaccinations, Listeria---a bacteria found in contaminated food, toxoplasmosis---caused by a parasite, cytomegalovirus---a common virus, can all cause infant heart problems. The CDC also says poorly controlled diabetes in the mother also increases the risk of infant heart abnormalities.
Types
Types of infant heart problems include hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which relates to several infant heart problems that cause an underdeveloped left heart structure. This condition results in decreased oxygen-rich blood flow to the body, says the CDC. Another condition is a ventricular septal defect, which is a hole in the partition separating the ventricles, the main pumping chambers of the heart. An atrial septal defect is a perforation or hole in the partition separating the two atria, or upper chambers of the heart. Transposition of the great arteries occurs when the pulmonary artery and the aorta arise from the wrong sides of the heart.
Symptoms
Many of these infant heart problems involve too much blood in the lungs and not enough blood in the body, leading to difficulty breathing and severe fatigue. These symptoms often indicate an oxygen deficiency, which compromises how the cells generate energy. Symptoms also include difficulty feeding, which can lead to poor nutrition and development.
Complications
A serious heart condition can be life threatening if not corrected. A less severe problem can cause stunted growth and underdeveloped muscles and limbs. Repeated infections due to complications and impaired circulation can cause permanent lung and organ damage. The infant will also tire easily and not gain weight appropriately. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, more than 35,000 babies are born annually in the United States with congenital heart defects with varying levels of severity.
Diagnosis
Ultrasound will often uncover these infant heart problems before birth. This approach is useful because it allows doctors to prepare for emergency treatment at birth, before the condition can cause permanent damage to other organs. In some cases, these heart problems will not become evident until after the baby is born. Tests such as arterial blood gases, electrocardiography, echocardiography and cardiac catherization will confirm the diagnosis and level of severity.
Treatment
Minor heart conditions such as small septal defects may become less severe and resolve on their own as the infant grows, says the CDC. Medication and supplemental oxygen will support circulation and lung function, sometimes improving the infants' condition and eliminating the need for surgery. Other defects are likely to worsen and require immediate surgical intervention. In severe cases, a heart transplant is the only option.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ventriclular Septal Defect
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Atrial Septal Defect
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Transposition of the Great Arteries
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What are Congenital Heart Defects?
