Congenital Heart Disease

There are many types of congenital heart disease, each with its own symptoms and treatment options. Some of the most common types of congenital heart diseases include - 

• Atrial septal defect (ASD) -  This is a hole in the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. It can cause blood to flow between the chambers and can lead to heart failure.
• Ventricular septal defect (VSD) - This is a hole in the wall that separates the two lower chambers of the heart. It can cause blood to flow between the chambers and can lead to heart failure.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - This is a condition where a blood vessel that should have closed after birth remains open, causing blood to flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.
• Tetralogy of Fallot - This is a combination of four heart defects that affect blood flow through the heart and can lead to cyanosis (blue skin).

The symptoms of congenital heart disease vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms of congenital heart diseases include - 

• Cyanosis (blue or purple skin colour)
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Poor feeding or lack of appetite
• Slow growth
• Recurrent respiratory infections

Congenital heart disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors are mostly responsible for the heart's structure, while environmental factors can affect how the heart develops. Some of the common causes of CHD include - 

• Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations can interfere with the development of the heart, leading to congenital heart disease.
• Maternal infections: Infections during pregnancy can lead to congenital heart disease. These infections include rubella, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis.
• Exposure to toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as alcohol and drugs, during pregnancy can interfere with the heart's development.
• Diabetes: Women with poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with CHD.

Get in touch with a doctor if your symptoms do not improve with medications or get worse with time. Symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath in children for a prolonged period can result in an increased risk of complications which may require medical attention.

Congenital heart disease diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination and examining your medical history. Furthermore, the doctor may recommend several diagnostic tests to confirm symptoms of congenital heart disorder - 

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Heart CT scan and heart MRI
• Pulse oximetry
• Echocardiogram
• Transesophageal echocardiogram
• Exercise tests or stress tests
• Cardiac catheterisation

The treatment of congenital heart disease depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the common treatment options for CHD are as follows -

• Medications- Some types of CHD can be treated with medications that help the heart function properly.
• Surgery- Many types of CHD require surgery to repair or replace a damaged heart valve or to correct a structural defect. Surgeries include Implanting Heart Devices and Open-Heart Surgery.
• Cardiac catheterisation- This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat certain types of CHD.
• Heart transplant- In severe cases, a heart transplant may be necessary to replace a damaged or diseased heart. 

BM Birla Heart Research Centre is a super speciality hospital with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology in Kolkata. BM Birla Heart Research Centre is the only hospital offering super speciality cardiac care in the entire eastern India. With a 200+ bed capacity, cardiac rehabilitation services, cath labs and modular OTs, BM Birla Heart Research Centre has made a mark with its singular focus on the treatment of a variety of cardiac ailments. Here are a few advantages of choosing BM Birla Heart Research Centre for Congenital heart disease treatment in Kolkata:

• Highly qualified and experienced cardiologists
• Cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
• Transparent pricing structure for cost-effective treatment. 
• Patient-centric high-quality care for a high success rate

Contact our expert heart specialists at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata for complete cardiac care.