Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD)

Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD) is a condition where a person is born with a heart defect. It could be a problem with the heart's structure, like the walls or valves, or how blood flows through the heart. It can range from mild to severe.

Signs & Symptoms

 Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disorders can vary, but common signs include :

• Cyanosis: Bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue: Especially during feeding (in infants) or exercise.
• Poor weight gain in infants.
• Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes.
• Heart murmurs: Unusual sounds heard during a heartbeat.

Causes

 Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD) issues can arise from different conditions, including:

• Chromosomal abnormalities or inherited conditions.
• Environmental factors: Maternal infections, medications, or substance abuse during pregnancy.
• Unknown causes: In many cases, the exact cause is not identified.

When to seek medical attention?

 It’s essential to consult a doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Bluish skin color.
• Poor feeding or growth in infants.
• Excessive fatigue during physical activity.
• Swelling in the extremities.

Risk Factors

 Several factors can increase the risk of Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD):

• Family history of congenital heart defects.
• Maternal conditions: Diabetes, obesity, or infections during pregnancy.
• Medications: Certain drugs taken during pregnancy.
• Substance abuse: Alcohol or drug use during pregnancy.

Diagnostic & Test

 To diagnose Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD), your doctor may recommend:

• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures electrical activity of the heart.
• Chest X-ray: Images of the heart and lungs.
• Pulse oximetry: Measures oxygen levels in the blood.
• Cardiac catheterization: Invasive procedure to assess heart function.

Treatment Procedure

 Procedures for treating Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD):

• Medications: To manage symptoms and improve heart function.
• Catheter procedures: Minimally invasive techniques to repair defects.
• Surgery: To correct more severe defects.
• Heart transplant: In rare, severe cases.

Do’s & Don’ts

 Do's:

• Follow all doctor's instructions regarding medications and care.
• Attend regular checkups with a cardiologist.
• Keep a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.
• Engage in light physical activity if allowed by the doctor.
• Get vaccinated, especially for flu and other infections.

 Don'ts:

• Don't ignore symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Don't skip medications or doctor's appointments.
• Don't smoke or expose the child to passive smoke.
• Don't engage in strenuous physical activities without a doctor's advice.

FAQ’s For Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD)