Congenital Heart Disease in Child: Symptom, Causes and Treatment

Pediatric Cardiology | by Dr. Satarupa Mukherjee | Published on 16/08/2024

Within a year after birth, one-fifth of all childbirths are highly likely to be in a critical state requiring surgery. A congenital heart defect is one of the most common congenital heart defects that affects the younger population in India. As per research, every year more than 2,00,000 child born in India with a hole in their tiny heart, which is a congenital heart defect. 

Although it is treatable, if not treated properly can turn into a life-threatening condition. This calls for awareness about the treatment of such conditions in the Indian population. In this blog, you can get to know more from our panel of surgeons practicing in pediatric cardiology in Kolkata. Regarding congenital heart disease in your child, you can book an appointment now.

What is congenital heart disease?

Congenital heart defect signifies the defects i.e. present from birth (congenital disease). This group of disorders affects the way the heart develops and works from birth and can alter the way blood flows through a person's heart. It can lead to many health problems and require immediate treatment after experiencing symptoms. 

Types of congenital heart disease

There are several Congenital heart defects that a child may face. Each affects the blood flow differently. Some common types of congenital heart diseases are - 

• Septal defects: It is the condition when there are holes in the walls between heart chambers.
• Valve defects: in this type of heart defect, there is a malfunction in the valves, which hinders proper blood flow.
• Tetralogy of Fallot: It is one of the rarest heart defects, which is the combination of four heart defects.
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: This issue occurs due to underdevelopment of the left structure of the heart. 
• Transposition of the great arteries: In this type of defect, the major arteries reverse and disrupt blood flow.

These are just a few examples of all the types of congenital heart disease. Each type of defect varies as per the severity of each defect. 

Signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease

Patients may experience some symptoms due to congenital heart disease like - 

• Color change of lips, tongue, or fingernails. 
• Breathing issue.
• Swollen legs, belly, and areas around eyes. 
• Getting tired easily
• Fainting during exercise

If your child is suffering from a heart issue(CHD), you need to trust an expert. As suggested by the best cardiologist in Kolkata, congenital heart defects can be diagnosed before birth while the baby is still in the womb. This can be done with - 

• Fetal echocardiogram: This test uses ultrasound images to see the baby's heart in motion so that your doctor can spot any problems with its valves or structure.
• Genetic testing: This is performed after the collection of blood samples from the mother during pregnancy.
• A routine prenatal test: To check the regular growth and development of the embryo during pregnancy.

However, congenital heart disease diagnosis can be done easily during a regular check-up in childhood days. To examine your child's health, the doctor listens to their heartbeat. If they hear an unusual sound or hear a cardiac murmur, doctors may prescribe more testing, such as - 

• Echocardiogram.
• Electrocardiogram
• MRI
• Chest X-ray
• CT Scan
• Pulse Oximetry
• Cardiac catheterization in severe cases.

How can you know whether your child is suffering from CHD or not?

The following are the symptoms of a child suffering from Congenital Heart Disease(CHD)-

• Fast heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Easy fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Reduced ability to play
• Inability to play with other kids of the same age
• Repeated respiratory tract infections(RTI)
• Swelling around the eyes, legs, and belly

Your pediatrician may refer your child to a pediatric cardiologist, if he/she has noticed the above-mentioned signs. You can get the required treatment options in a pediatric cardiology hospital in Kolkata.

What causes congenital heart disease?

The exact congenital heart disease causes is still unknown. But several factors may increase the risk of having congenital heart defect - 

• Genetics: It is a common fact that having a family history of any heart disease can increase the chances of having congenital heart disease. 
• Maternal health: During pregnancy certain infections, medications, and uncontrolled health conditions like diabetes can play a significant role in congenital heart disease. 
• Chromosomal abnormalities: Down syndrome and other chromosome-related abnormalities are related to some of the heart defects. 

Along with this, there are other health conditions too, which can lead to the CHD. Here, early detection and timely treatment can help the child get improved health with the best immune system. 

Treatment options for Congenital Heart defects in your child

If your child has a severe congenital heart defect, your pediatric cardiologist may recommend any of the following steps as the congenital heart disease treatment -

• Cardiac catheterization: Congenital heart abnormalities are treated in some children and adults using thin, flexible tubes (catheters). Without open-heart surgery, cardiac catheterization can be used to repair holes in the heart or narrow areas.
• Fetal cardiac intervention: the procedure is performed during pregnancy if a congenital defect is detected during birth.
• Heart surgery: open heart or minimally invasive surgery can be performed on your baby’s heart to repair any inborn heart defect.
• Fetal heart transplant: if your doctor can’t repair the defect by any means, he/she may recommend a transplant.

FAQ

What are the conditions that can lead to CHD? 

• Viral infections like rubella in the first trimester of pregnancy
• Alcohol intake
• Smoking during pregnancy
• Medications for anti-seizure(sodium valproate), anti-acne(tretinoin)

How can I prevent this from happening?

Which is the most common congenital heart disease?

There are several congenital heart diseases, but Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is the most common type. As per the reports, 1 out of every 300 births is linked with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).

How Can Congenital Heart Disease Be Prevented?

Prevention of congenital heart disease is quite a difficult task. This condition is not always preventable, but yes, some factors can help you. These include maintaining good health before and during pregnancy, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and taking essential vitamins during pregnancy. 

Is congenital heart defect hereditary?

Undoubtedly yes. In congenital heart defects, genetics plays a crucial role. People with a history of health disease or CHD should consult their doctors regarding potential risks.