What is it?

Congenital heart disease, present from birth, affects the functionality of the heart. This disease functions as an umbrella term for a wide variety of birth defects impacting the heart: there are many different types of congenital heart disease. Symptoms for congenital heart disease vary, but main ones include fast heartbeat and breathing, fatigue, swelling (legs, stomach, or around the eyes), and a blue visible tone on one’s skin or lips.

What are the causes?

There are no obvious causes of congenital heart disease. However, risk of the condition may be increased with certain behaviours during pregnancy. For example, a baby whose mother drank alcohol and smoked during pregnancy and has poorly managed diabetes will have an increased chance of being born with congenital heart disease. Specific infections (rubella), in addition to the presence of Down’s syndrome, may increase susceptibility.

What does diagnosis look like?

Diagnosis for congenital heart disease may take place before or after birth. The disease may be detected during pregnancy via ultrasound technology. Otherwise, the disease is often detected during the heart assessment portion of a newborn’s physical examination. Advanced imaging technology, including x-rays and electrocardiograms (ECGs), may also be used to confirm a baby or child’s diagnosis.

What forms of treatment exist?

Congenital heart disease is a lifelong condition. Treatment for the disease is typically defect-dependent. Prescription medications may serve as an effective treatment for some, while more severe cases may require surgery or catheter intervention. Catheter intervention is characterized by a small tube that is inserted into the heart.

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This article was written by Lindsey Winters and built by Alex Vyras.