Congenital Heart Diseases
Heart is the major organ responsible for all our day to day activities. It works non stop pumping blood to all the distant tissues throughout our whole life. It is the only organ that never shuts down even for a second. If that happens, it can lead to disastrous consequences. A sudden collapse and death takes place if there is cardiac arrest. You need to stay aware of these facts and keep your heart healthy to stay fit all your life. And hence to keep your baby safe, congenital heart diseases are best diagnosed soon after birth. Congenital heart diseases are due to malformations during the development of the fetus. It may be due to genetic, environmental or chromosomal aberration. Some diseases in the pregnant mother can lead to abnormalities in the child. Rubella known as German measles in first trimester of pregnancy leads to congenital heart disorders in the child. Some of them are:
- Atrial or Ventricular septal defect.
- Patent ductus arteriosus.
- Stenosis of heart valves.
- Tetralogy of Fallot.
- Transposition of great arteries.
The disorders can be diagnosed early by some cardinal features such as:
- Breathing difficulty due to pulmonary congestion.
- A machinery murmur.
- The child appears blue.
- Impaired growth.
- Hypertension in upper half of the body.
These signs if noted early can lead to better treatment avenues and help your child lead a better life
