Congenital heart disease is defined as a heart problem that occurs as the baby's heart is developing during pregnancy, before the baby is born. In fact, congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects. The incidence accounts approximately for 0.8 – 1% of newborns. It is commonly found in female children, rather than male ones with the ratio 3:1.
In general condition, a baby's heart starts to develop at conception. During the first six weeks of pregnancy, the heart begins taking shape and starts beating. The major blood vessels also begin to form during this critical time. The heart development is completely formed by 8 weeks into the pregnancy. Congenital heart defects happen during this important first 8 weeks of the baby's development. Specific steps must take place for the heart to form correctly. Often, congenital heart defects are a result of one of these steps not happening at the right time.
Babies diagnosed with congenital heart disease can be categorized into 2 groups:
Signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease
Serious congenital heart disease usually becomes clearly evident soon after birth. Signs and symptoms include:
However, child may not have any noticeable signs of a problem until reaching the age of 20-30. Symptoms that might indicate heart disease may involve shortness of breath during exercise and easily tiring or fainting during activity.
Treatment of congenital heart disease
Certain congenital heart defects, such as small holes, may correct themselves as the child grows. However, some heart defects are serious and treatment is highly required. Depending on the type and severity of heart defect, congenital heart defects can be treated with:
Procedures using catheterization. Some children and adults might have their congenital heart defects repaired using catheterization techniques. This less invasive procedure allows the repair to be done without surgically opening the chest and heart. Catheter procedures can often be used to fix holes or areas of narrowing. During performing procedures, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a leg vein and guides it to the heart with the assistance of X-ray images. Once the catheter is positioned at the site of the defect, tiny tools such as a mesh patch or plug is threaded through the catheter to close the hole or to repair the defects. The heart tissue grows around the mesh, permanently sealing the hole within 3 months.
This procedure can be performed in children aged over 5 and adults. However, antiplatelet drug, aspirin will be prescribed for at least 6 months in order to provide platelet anti-aggregation effect and prevent thrombus formation in the treated areas. After receiving treatment, close follow-ups with echocardiogram are required as scheduled, every 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year. More importantly, all medical advices given by cardiologists must be strictly followed.
Although catheterization can be used to treat congenital heart defects up to 75%, this procedure might not be suitable for some complicated conditions. These conditions may require heart surgery as a first-line treatment. Selected treatment option is primarily determined by size, location and type of the defects as well as individual’s conditions.
Advantages of using catheterization