Born with a Hole in the Heart: Understanding Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects (CHD) is one of the leading causes of infant mortality. With advancement in medical science, it is now possible to detect such diseases at an early stage and treat child to save the life. Many children born with a hole in heart by birth are now living near normal lives. Lack of awareness however, both about the condition and what one needs to do if there is a defect continues to be a big challenge in children being able get the right treatment.
Though, there are now several initiatives being taken by government and NGOs which work towards spreading awareness among public and support parents with treatment of their child.
Let’s understand congenital heart defects and its types in more detail:
What are Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects are conditions that affect the structure of the heart and are present from birth. A heart is an essential organ, but sometimes, people are born with hearts that don't develop perfectly. These defects can vary in severity, from minor issues that might not cause any problems to more serious conditions.
Common examples include hole in heart by birth, narrow or blocked blood vessels, or abnormal heart valves. These defects can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart, which can affect how the heart functions. Sometimes, one may notice symptoms like fast breathing, poor feeding, or bluish skin color. To diagnose congenital heart defects, pediatric perform physical exams, imaging tests, and monitor the heart's activity.
The good news is that congenital heart defect treatment is now available, such as medications, surgeries, or catheter procedures, depending on the specific defect. With the right care and attention, many people with congenital heart defects can go on to lead healthy lives. Screening a child with the help of a pediatric cardiologist best tells about the condition of the heart and the treatment it requires for its smooth functioning.
Hence, it is always advised to go and check with pediatric cardiologist if one suspects any health issue in your child. Some of the common symptoms of congenital heart defects includes rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, extreme tiredness and fatigue, a blue tinge to the skin or lips, etc.
Please remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to congenital heart defects and can be caused by other health issues as well. However, for safety purpose, it is essential to consult and seek early detection to ensure there are no complications in the treatment of congenital heart defects.
Whenever one observes such signs, one should immediately connect with the pediatrician to learn more about the conditions and take required measures towards Congenital Heart Disease Treatment.
While there are treatments for CHD, we may also want to look at the prevention of it so we can control this to some extent. During pregnancy, eliminating smoking and alcohol consumption helps, as both can significantly increase the risk of heart defects in the developing fetus. Be cautious with medication use and consult the doctor frequently to ensure any medication you take is safe for both for the baby, as certain medications can contribute to heart defects too.
Conclusion
At present when CHD is prevalent in India, the efforts to save lives must be significant. One step towards this direction was taken by Genesis Foundation years ago. With the aim and mission to save lives of children battling congenital heart defects, Genesis Foundation, an NGO working for helping lesser privileged families whose child is born with a congenital heart defect. By supporting the families with the treatment of their child in one of their partnered hospitals, they aim to save as many lives as possible.
To expand their support nationwide, the organization conducts screening camps in various regions, including NUH (Haryana), Jammu & Kashmir, and other parts of the country. These camps, in collaboration with partner hospitals and specialized doctors, aim to screen and treat children who may have Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). To learn more about the organization, you can check the website https://www.genesis-foundation.net/ and get full information.
Posted Nov 1, 2023, 4:07 PM UTC