Congenital Heart Diseases

No, mostly these diseases reveal themselves in childhood. However, we do see them in grownups too - occasionally even in 40’s and 50’s.

No it’s not a curse, there are many conditions which can cause defects in the babies hearts.

X- radiation, Rubella infection in pregnancy, use of some medicines, smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy, consanguinity( cousin marriages) are few of the causes. Children born to parents with congenital heart defects can have increased frequency of the same. Few of them are genetic like Down syndrome.

Broadly CHD’s are two types 1. Cyanotic CHD (Blue babies) 2. Normal or pink babies

Yes, to some extent we can. It is basically because of low oxygen in the blood which colors the skin- cheeks, fore arm, ear lobes, hands and feet which look blue more so while crying. They also have breathing difficulties.

They cry often, don’t suckle the milk properly, they breathe faster while feeding or stop taking the feeds multiple times. They also may sweat on their foreheads, don’t gain weight and may crawl/ walk later than healthy children (delayed milestones)

Not always. As proverbial shades of grey, the diagnosis depends upon the severity and clinical suspicion. The above symptoms are seen in severely sick children. If the child has not-so-severe heart defect, the diagnosis may get delayed.

They are diagnosed by pediatricians when they visit them for vaccination, routine illnesses, or by way of noticing murmurs (abnormal and musical heart sounds on listening through stethoscope).

Holes in the heart also called Septal Defects . They are the commonest CHD’s where pure and impure blood mixes in the heart chambers. Thus, more than normal amount of blood flows to lungs and these children suffer from repeated lung infections.

No, it is the opposite. Most of them are simple problems. Few of them can be left alone without any intervention. Many of the holes can be closed by a button- hole surgery what we call as device therapy- without opening chest. The devices are sent from the leg artery.

No not at all. Medium – complex CHD’s require surgeries sometimes within a month of the birth and often before going to school. Very high complex CHD’s may not have suitable surgeries and we see some children succumbing. In western countries heart transplantation is offered to them.

Yes. We can do a fetal echo (visualization of baby’s heart through pregnant mother’s womb in highly suspected cases). In the early stages of pregnancy, if you find highly complex CHD’s, an abortion may be offered.

Yes. If pregnant mothers have rubella vaccination, take balanced nutrition diet, avoid self medication/ tobacco, alcohol during pregnancy, regular prenatal check-ups all help us in avoiding sick babies. Visit to pediatrician is mandatory for all newborns we can suspect CHD’s at the earliest.

A simple heart scan (2DECHO cardiogram) done diligently preferably by a pediatric cardiologist we can diagnose most conditions. A few complex CHD’s may require Cardiac Cath study, Cardiac MRI. While we are on this, I heard your wife is pregnant. Take care of her – don’t forget fetal ECHO and pediatrician visit after child birth. All the best.

My Pleasure !!!