1. Congenital Heart Disease Most Prevalent Birth Defect
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a broad term that embodies numerous heart defects that generally appear at birth. On average, over 35,000 newborns are afflicted with CHD every year, making it the most common birth defect. Congenital heart disease alters your heart's blood flow. It involves the heart's lining, valves and your body's blood-carrying veins and arteries. Generally, heart defects in infants require an easy fix and little or no treatment.
2. Defects Often Symptom-Free
Not all congenital heart defects produce symptoms, making early detection difficult. The more serious cases, especially those involving newborns, present symptoms such as accelerated breathing, lethargy or inferior blood circulation. Adult sufferers may feel faint and experience edema. A heart murmur, detected with a stethoscope, also may indicate a heart defect.
3. Put Your Heart to the Test
Diagnosing congenital heart disease calls for a myriad of tests. An echocardiogram employs sound waves to identify any abnormalities in your heart, while an electrocardiogram (EKG) keeps track of your heart's electrical activity. Cardiac catheterization verifies blood flow. Chest X-Rays and a cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) also provide images of your heart. A stress test records your blood pressure and heart rate during physical activity and a pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. Infants born with severe heart defects, usually diagnosed during a woman's pregnancy or shortly after delivery, will require the attendance of a pediatric cardiologist. As the child matures, this specialist will continue to monitor the child's heart and lungs and look for indicators of CHD, such as blue lips, skin or nails, irregular breathing patterns or slow growth.
4. How Do You Mend a Defective Heart
Treatment of congenital heart disease depends on the kind of defect and how serious it is, the patient's age and their overall health. Catheters repair minor defects the cardiologist uses this non-invasive procedure to put a catheter into a vein or artery with the pinch of a needle. Surgery is another option for repair to holes in the heart. The cardiologist uses stitches or patches, enlarges arteries or heart valve openings, corrects or changes heart valves and addresses blood vessel problems. Discuss all treatment options with your physician to determine the right one for you.
5. Coming to Terms With Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease sufferers whether young or old must learn how to live with their condition. Schedule regular checkups with your physician, and be aware that sometimes you'll need a second surgery or further treatment. Be certain to advise other doctors and your dentist of your heart disease. The doctors will want to keep bacteria from getting into your bloodstream before any procedures, so they will prescribe a course of antibiotics before dental surgery or invasive medical procedures. Strengthen your heart muscles through exercise or other cardiovascular activities, only after checking with your doctor. Take all medications as directed.
