Congenital heart disease (CHD) or congenital heart disease is a condition of heart problems / abnormalities in the structure and function of the heart from birth. The type and severity of this condition varies widely. For some mild cases, congenital heart disease is sufficient to be monitored with routine examinations and monitoring. Meanwhile, for some cases that are classified as severe, it is possible to do a heart transplant.
Causes of congenital heart disease
In the first six weeks of pregnancy, the fetal heart begins to form and develop. Congenital heart disease occurs because of a disturbance at that time. Although experts have not established a definite cause, there are several things that are thought to play a role, namely: genetic factors, certain health conditions, and use of certain drugs.
In people with congenital heart disease, the cycle and flow of blood pumped by the heart will be disrupted. This can be caused by disorders of the valves, heart chambers, septum (walls between the heart chambers), or blood vessels to and from the heart. Disruption of this blood flow will cause complaints and symptoms in sufferers.
Congenital heart disease symptoms
Congenital heart disease can usually be known since the baby is in the womb or after birth. One of the symptoms of congenital heart disease in the fetus is the sound of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This condition can be detected during a routine ultrasound examination of pregnancy.
Newborns with heart defects generally experience the following symptoms:
- Blue or black lips, skin, or fingers (cyanosis).
- Appears exhausted and has difficulty breathing, especially when feeding.
- Have low body weight.
- Stunted growth.
- Swelling occurs in the legs, stomach, or area around the eyes.
- Have recurring lung infections.
- Frequent cold sweats.
In some cases, symptoms of congenital heart disease may appear several years after the baby is born, such as during childhood or adolescence. Symptoms of this condition can include:
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
- Dizzy and often feeling tired, especially when exercising.
- Difficulty breathing or gasping for breath.
- Swelling occurs in the feet, ankles, or hands.
- Bluish skin (cyanosis).
- Easily faints or loses consciousness.
- In some cases, congenital heart disease may not cause chest pain or other painful symptoms, it can even occur without certain symptoms or signs.
Management of Congenital Heart
Depending on the type of heart defect experienced, treatment for congenital heart disease can include:
- Catheterization procedure
In this procedure, the doctor inserts a thin instrument into a vein in the leg and points it toward the heart. After that, there are certain tools that come out of the end of the heart catheter to repair heart defects that are found.
- Open heart surgery
This type of surgery involves making small incisions between the ribs and using instruments to repair the heart defect.
- Heart transplant
If there is a severe heart defect that cannot be repaired, a heart transplant may be an option.
Some mild congenital heart disease, especially those detected in the teens to adulthood, can be treated with certain medications to help the heart work efficiently.
After knowing the causes, symptoms, and how to treat congenital heart disease above, it would be nice if pregnant women could reduce the risk of their babies experiencing this condition as early as possible. Prevention can be done by carrying out rubella and flu vaccinations, diligently taking folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy, ensuring that blood sugar is controlled before and during pregnancy, carrying out routine pregnancy control, always consulting a doctor before taking medication, and carrying out genetic screening.
Article reviewed by dr. Johan Winata, Sp.JP (K) FIHA (Cardiologist and Blood Vessel Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).