Congenital Heart Disease: Understanding Defects Present at Birth

Your heart is a complex pump responsible for moving blood throughout your body. When a baby is born with a problem in the structure of the heart, doctors call this congenital heart disease (CHD). This term covers a wide range of issues that affect how blood flows through the heart. Some defects are simple and might not need treatment, while others are more complex and require surgery soon after birth.

Congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect. In India alone, about 200,000 to 300,000 babies are born with a heart defect each year. This affects nearly 1% of all births. The good news is that medical care has improved greatly over the last few decades. Today, more than 94% of Indian children born with a heart defect who had surgical intervention survive into adulthood.

At Sterling Hospitals, we understand that a diagnosis of a heart defect can feel overwhelming for parents and patients. We are here to help you understand what this condition means, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment paths are available.

What Goes Wrong in the Heart?

During the first six weeks of pregnancy, a baby’s heart begins to take shape and starts beating. This is when congenital heart defects usually develop. The problems can affect different parts of the heart:

• Walls: The heart has walls that separate the left side from the right side. If a hole forms in these walls, blood can mix incorrectly.
• Valves: These are like doors that open and close to control blood flow. A valve might be too narrow or completely closed, forcing the heart to work harder.
• Blood Vessels: The arteries and veins that carry blood to and from the heart might not form correctly.

These structural issues change the normal flow of blood. This can lead to blood moving too slowly, going in the wrong direction, or failing to reach the lungs or body efficiently.

Types of Heart Defects

Doctors generally group these defects into two main categories based on how they affect oxygen levels in the body.

Cyanotic Heart Defects

These defects lower the amount of oxygen delivered to the body. Babies with this type often have a blue tint to their skin because their blood does not carry enough oxygen.

Acyanotic Heart Defects

These defects do not usually cause low oxygen levels. However, they can still cause abnormal blood flow that puts stress on the heart and lungs.

Symptoms to Watch For

Signs of a heart defect can appear at birth, during infancy, or much later in childhood. Some people do not show symptoms until they are adults.

In Infants and Babies:

• Pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis), especially on the lips or fingernails.
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
• Swelling in the legs, belly, or around the eyes.
• Shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain.

In Older Children and Adults:

• Getting out of breath easily during exercise or activity.
• Fainting during exercise.
• Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet.
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue).

If you notice these signs, it is important to consult a doctor. Finding the right heart hospital in Ahmedabad is the first step toward getting an accurate diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

In most cases, doctors do not know exactly why a baby’s heart fails to develop correctly. It is often a mix of genetics and environmental factors.

• Genetics: Heart defects can run in families. Certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, increase the risk.
• Infections: Having German measles (rubella) during pregnancy can affect heart development.
• Medical Conditions: If a mother has diabetes, keeping blood sugar controlled before and during pregnancy helps lower the risk.
• Substances: Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain medications during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of heart defects.

How We Diagnose Heart Defects

Thanks to modern technology, many heart defects are found before a baby is born.

Prenatal Diagnosis

Doctors use a test called a fetal echocardiogram to create pictures of the baby’s heart while still in the womb. This allows the medical team to plan for care immediately after birth.

Postnatal Diagnosis

After birth, doctors use several tests to check heart function:

• Pulse Oximetry: A painless sensor on the finger or toe checks oxygen levels.
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound waves create images of the heart structure.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This records the electrical activity of the heart.
• Chest X-ray: This shows the size of the heart and the condition of the lungs.

For adults or complex cases, we might use cardiac MRI or cardiac catheterization to get a detailed view. If you are looking for a heart specialist hospital in Ahmedabad with advanced diagnostic tools, these technologies are essential for accurate assessment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends entirely on the type of defect and how severe it is. Some mild defects, like small holes, may close on their own as a child grows. Others require medical intervention.

Procedures and Surgery

Many defects can now be fixed without open-heart surgery. Doctors use a procedure called cardiac catheterization. They thread a thin tube through a blood vessel to the heart to repair holes or open narrow valves.

For more complex problems, surgery is necessary. Surgeons may patch holes, repair valves, or widen blood vessels. In severe cases, a series of surgeries over several years might be needed. As a leading best cardiology hospital in Ahmedabad, Sterling Hospitals is equipped to handle these complex interventions.

Medications

Sometimes, surgery isn’t needed right away, or at all. Medications can help the heart work more efficiently. These might include drugs to lower blood pressure, remove excess fluid from the body, or keep the heartbeat regular.

Living with Congenital Heart Disease

Decades ago, congenital heart disease was considered a condition only of childhood. Today, there are more adults living with CHD than children. This shift means that care does not stop at age 18.

Adults who had heart surgery as children need regular checkups. Issues like irregular heartbeats or valve problems can develop years later. We recommend that adults with a history of heart defects see a cardiologist who understands congenital conditions.

Quality of Life

Most people with CHD live active, full lives.

• Exercise: Physical activity is good for the heart. Most patients can exercise safely, though some may need to avoid intense competitive sports.
• Pregnancy: Women with CHD can have successful pregnancies, but it requires careful planning with a doctor to manage risks.

When to Seek Care

You should see a doctor if you or your child experience symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting. Regular follow-up appointments are vital for anyone with a known heart defect, even if you feel fine.

At Sterling Hospitals, we provide you with the utmost care and comfort throughout your journey to a healthier heart. If you are looking for the best  cardiovascular surgeons in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, or Gandhidham, we've got you.

With considerable years of experience, we have built a team of the best cardiologists in these regions to provide you with premium treatment and the best results. Contact Sterling Hospitals to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey towards a healthier heart.

By understanding the condition and staying proactive with medical appointments, you can manage congenital heart disease effectively and lead a healthy life.