For what reason might a newborn infant with a cardiac defect?
What is congenital heart disease (CHD)?Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to heart defects that are present at birth. Show
These defects affect the structure and function of the heart. They range in severity. Mild defects include conditions such as a small hole in the heart, and severe and life-threatening ones may involve missing structures. These defects can affect how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body. According to Singapore's birth defect registry, congenital heart disease was a factor in 0.81% of total live births from 1994 – 2000. Nationwide, there are about 12,000 adults living with congenital heart disease. With an average of 37,000 – 40,000 babies born each year, it is estimated that the number of adult cases will increase by 300 – 320 every year. Types of congenital heart diseaseThere are many types of congenital heart diseases. Atrial septal defect Left untreated, it can cause problems in adulthood such as high blood pressure in the lungs, abnormal heartbeat, increased risk of stroke and heart failure. Ventricular septal defect This hole redirects oxygen-rich blood from the left to the right side of the heart, sending it back to the lungs instead of distributing it to the rest of the body. Coarctation of the aorta This is a critical congenital heart defect; if the narrowing is severe, the surgery may be necessary soon after birth. Fallot's tetralogy or tetralogy of Fallot
Patent ductus arteriosus A small opening may not require treatment but large openings allow poorly oxygenated blood to flow in the wrong direction. This weakens the heart muscle and can lead to complications and heart failure. Pulmonary atresia Pulmonary or aortic stenosis Transposition of the great arteries What are the symptoms of congenital heart disease?Many congenital heart defects do not result in clear symptoms. However, serious or multiple congenital heart defects can cause symptoms such as:
These symptoms depend on the type and severity of CHD. What causes congenital heart disease?The causes for congenital heart diseases are mostly unknown. Several risk factors have been linked to the development of congenital heart disease and they include chromosomal abnormalities, genetic defects and environmental factors. Genetic and chromosomal conditions include:
What are the risk factors for congenital heart disease?Environmental factors and exposure to certain substances in the early weeks of pregnancy when the baby’s heart is forming can increase the risk of the baby developing a congenital heart disease. Environmental risk factors include:
What are the complications of congenital heart disease?Congenital heart diseases can lead to life-long complications and related conditions. These include an increased risk of:
How do you prevent congenital heart disease?There is no guaranteed way to prevent the development of congenital heart diseases. However, pregnant woman can reduce the risk by avoiding known risk factors and taking some precautions:
This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers. What is the most common cause of heart problems for children newborns?The most common cause of heart failure in children is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital). Other causes include: Heart muscle disease or enlargement of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). This is often an inherited cause.
What is the most common heart defect in babies?Number of U.S. Babies Born with CHDs
The most common type of heart defect is a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
What are the 4 main causes of birth defects?Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain drugs during pregnancy. Having certain medical conditions, such as being obese or having uncontrolled diabetes before and during pregnancy. Taking certain medications, such as isotretinoin (a drug used to treat severe acne). Having someone in your family with a birth defect.
What are the common cardiac issues in neonates?[8] Coarctation of aorta, and less commonly other left-sided obstructive cardiac lesions such as interrupted aortic arch, critical aortic stenosis, and aortic valve atresia, is the most common cause of congestive heart failure which may progress to shock during the first month of life.
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