Recognizing congenital cardiac abnormalities

The human heart is its greatest asset, but what if it is born with defects? Congenital heart abnormalities are the most prevalent sort of birth defects, affecting eight out of every 1,000 infants globally.

Experts discuss congenital heart defects as February 14 is World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day.

“Congenital” refers to a condition that existed at birth. A variety of birth anomalies that impact the anatomy and normal function of the heart are together referred to as congenital heart defects. These include flaws in the arteries and veins that provide blood to the heart and other parts of the body, as well as the inner walls and valves of the heart. The regular circulation of blood via the heart is affected by congenital cardiac abnormalities.

The causes, manifestations, and varieties of congenital cardiac abnormalities were highlighted by Dr. Tapan Dash, Clinical Director and Head of Department, Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at CARE Hospitals. “Down’s syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects a baby’s normal physical development and causes mild to moderate learning difficulties, and if the mother has certain infections, like rubella and poorly controlled type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy, are known to increase the risk of congenital heart disease.” Nevertheless, congenital cardiac disease often has no known etiology. Nothing the mother was exposed to throughout her pregnancy seems to have greatly elevated the risk in these circumstances, the doctor added.

Congenital heart problems may vary in complexity from basic defects that show no symptoms to complicated anomalies that have serious, sometimes fatal effects. Chest discomfort, dyspnea, blue skin, especially on the fingers, toes, and lips (medical term: cyanosis), and fatigue quickly, especially after physical activity, are some of the prevalent symptoms. Usually, serious cardiac abnormalities become apparent shortly after delivery. It’s possible that less severe flaws go undetected until later in infancy or even adulthood.

Three primary groups include approximately thirty distinct forms of congenital heart problems: Septal defects, Obstruction defects, and Cyanotic heart disease. Often called “holes in the heart,” septal abnormalities may put additional pressure on the heart and result in symptoms like exhaustion and shortness of breath. A partial or complete obstruction of the blood flow through the heart’s chambers is referred to as an obstruction defect. This might result in symptoms like dizziness and chest discomfort. A shortage of oxygen being pumped throughout the body may result from structural problems in cyanotic heart abnormalities, which can cause symptoms including cyanosis, respiratory problems, and chronic fatigue.

Dr. Dash described how improvements in technology have aided in the treatment of children born with these abnormalities. A tiny percentage of newborns have severe congenital cardiac abnormalities that need immediate medical treatment. The detection and therapy of these complicated abnormalities have advanced significantly in the last several decades. Because their heart problems have been successfully corrected, almost all children with complicated heart defects grow to maturity and are able to lead active, productive lives. Eighty-five percent of infants with congenital heart abnormalities may live to adulthood because to advances in cardiac surgery. But persons with these kinds of abnormalities have a variety of often intricate demands, ranging from practical to psychological and bodily needs, the speaker said.

Getting by with congenital cardiac abnormalities

According to Dr. Rajesh Deshamukh, Senior CTVS Surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals, surviving congenital heart abnormalities (CHDs) necessitates a multipronged strategy that includes continuing monitoring, lifestyle modifications, emotional support, and medical treatment. “Timely intervention and postnatal care are made possible by early discovery and diagnosis, which is commonly made possible by fetal echocardiograms and prenatal ultrasounds. The key to reducing symptoms, enhancing heart health, and averting consequences is medical treatment. This usually entails a drug prescription customized to meet the unique requirements of each patient, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers.

According to him, surgical interventions—which may range from minimally invasive catheter-based treatments to open heart surgeries—are often required for more difficult situations. Changing one’s lifestyle to a healthier one, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use, controlling stress, and adhering to suggested exercise regimens are all crucial for the management of congestive heart failure.

“Having a CHD may have an influence on one’s quality of life and mental health, underscoring the need of having access to social and emotional support services. Dr. Rajesh Deshamukh said, “Ongoing research and technological advancements, like genetic testing, 3D printing, and personalised medicine, continue to improve our understanding of CHDs and expand treatment options.”