What parents of children with congenital heart disease should know: doctors’ answer

The birth and emergence of new life is the most beautiful thing imaginable in the world. Parents associate only the best hopes with the birth of a child. They dream of a carefree childhood, versatile development and rich time spent together. However, most of all, moms and dads want their child to grow up healthy. Unfortunately, not always all their dreams can come true, and childhood illnesses often turn out to be quite serious.

Congenital heart disease is a common diagnosis that can sound like a death sentence to parents. However, it is in such a situation that adults should remain calm, because the life and health of the baby depends on them. The publication FamilyDoctor.org told whether parents can help the disease and what should be paid attention to after birth.

The diagnosis of “congenital heart disease” means that the child was already born with disorders in the heart. Even in the womb, the organ developed poorly or with certain defects. Some violations may be minor, while children grow up strong and healthy, but others can be fatal.

Common flaws include: heart chamber defect, heart muscle abnormalities, heart valve defect, hole in the heart.

Symptoms of congenital heart disease

Symptoms may vary depending on the specific disorder. Some of them are noticeable immediately after birth, others – with the growing up of the child, and some – do not manifest themselves at all.

Serious heart defects in babies can be indicated by:

Rapid breathing;

Bluish color of the skin, lips and nails;

Lethargy and poor appetite;

Noises in the heart.

With aging, fatigue during exercise and shortness of breath can be added to these symptoms.

Causes of congenital heart disease

Sometimes doctors cannot determine the exact cause that causes serious defects in a child. However, there are some factors that increase the risk of its development. The most common include:

Heredity;

the presence of certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome;

Infectious processes during pregnancy, such as rubella infection;

Uncontrolled maternal blood sugar during pregnancy;

Abuse of medication, alcohol or chemicals during pregnancy.

In most cases, future parents cannot influence the development of heart disease in an unborn baby, however compliance with certain rules can reduce this risk. Yes, quality preparation for pregnancy, a balanced diet, control of chronic diseases and expert advice can support the mother’s body and increase the chances of having a healthy baby.

How to diagnose congenital heart disease?

Some serious problems with the baby’s heart can be diagnosed already during pregnancy with the help of ultrasound, others become noticeable immediately after birth. If the problem is not too serious, then it can manifest itself over time, sometimes even in adulthood.

If you notice your child’s warning signs, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. The specialist will conduct an examination and determine if additional examinations are needed to make a diagnosis. So he can prescribe a child an electrocardiogram or cardiac catheterization, a chest x-ray, an MRI of the cardiovascular system, and also measure the level of oxygen in the blood.

Can a congenital defect be treated?

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the problem. In fact, some children do not need treatment at all, since the defect does not threaten their full life. Other children may need medication to strengthen the heart and prevent complications. In severe cases, surgery may be required immediately after birth or some time later. Fortunately, after the defect is surgically corrected, children quickly return to normal life.

At the same time, a family in which a child with a heart disease grows up should establish a proper lifestyle. Keep in mind that your the child may tire more quickly or be prone to developing other conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, or congestive heart failure.. Parents, first of all, should accept this fact, learn as much as possible and enlist the support of specialists, because it is your awareness that will allow you to notice alarming symptoms in time and seek help.

The heart is the real motor of our body, and disturbances in its work affect all systems. Unfortunately, children are also not 100 percent immune to heart disease. Congenital heart disease is a serious illness, but not a sentence. The right lifestyle before and during pregnancy, a thorough examination of the baby in the womb and after birth, the control of specialists – all this can help prevent serious complications and give the baby a full and healthy life.

Earlier, GLOBAL HAPPENINGS spoke about the dangers of smoking. Cardiologists noted that smoking can cause cardiovascular disease, and noted that passive smoking is no less harmful.