Parents have enough to worry about when it comes to raising their children. Whether they are infants, adolescents or even adults, everyone desires good health and a long life for their children. Unfortunately, we cannot always predict or control the challenges our children may encounter. Nobody understands this more than parents of children born with congenital heart disease.
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According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common types of birth defects, which damages the structure of the heart beginning in utero. CHDs are diagnosed in roughly 40,000 births each year in the United States. The good news is that babies born with these conditions are living longer and healthier lives with the right treatment and understanding of their disease.
The heart is divided into four hollow chambers: two chambers on the right and two on the left performing independent functions. During the first six weeks of pregnancy, the heart begins taking shape - beating in rhythm and forming major blood vessels. By nine weeks of pregnancy, heart chambers and valves have developed. It’s during this period of gestation that the heart structure may become damaged, and defects occur.
While some congenital heart defects in children are simple and don't always mandate treatment, others are more complex and may require several surgeries performed over a period of several years. However, roughly 25 percent of babies have critical CHD and will need surgery in their first year of life and nearly all those with CHD will need lifelong monitoring.
While researchers cannot pinpoint exactly what causes improper development of the heart, there are risk factors believed to play a role. These factors include certain medications, maternal obesity, smoking, alcohol use, genetics, and environmental exposures. Still, it’s important for parents to know that nine times out of 10, it is not their fault. When CHD occurs, the most common fall into one of following several categories, although there are more than 35 identified defects.
As annual well visits are important to maintaining overall health, it is equally important for anyone living with heart defects to see a cardiologist regularly. As children with CHD transition to adult health care, either upon entering college or living independently, it is imperative to notify new doctors about the CHD diagnosis and previous care. It’s also important for parents to promote an established relationship between their child and a healthcare provider indefinitely. Ongoing appropriate medical care for their specific heart defect will help children and adults with a CHD to live long, heathy lives.
Serious congenital heart defects present soon after birth or during the first few months of life. Signs and symptoms could include:
The less serious congenital heart defects may not be diagnosed until much later, because signs and symptoms aren’t always recognizable or may be attributed to something else such as dehydration, fatigue, or being overweight. Older children who exhibit any of the following should be seen by a pediatrician who may then refer parents to a pediatric cardiologist.
If your child is believed to have a CHD, a pediatric cardiologist will perform a physical examination and conduct several tests to determine next steps. These diagnostic assessments may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, Holter monitor, treadmill test or stress echocardiogram.
During some pregnancies, physicians may order a fetal echocardiogram. A fetal echocardiogram is an ultrasound test, generally performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. A fetal echocardiogram helps obtain a detailed assessment of baby’s heart structures and functions. This test enables your physician to detect heart abnormalities before your baby is born, allowing for planning appropriate medical or surgical care after birth.
Many congenital heart conditions diagnosed at birth require ongoing monitoring; however, there are specific conditions that may cause complications that warrant additional treatment or surgery later in life. We work with patients and their families about general health and lifestyle choices and discuss any foreseeable challenges to ensure they lead a productive life.
Children who have heart defects will become adults who have a heart history. In order to avoid any complications or future problems such as heart tissue infection (endocarditis), heart failure, stroke, arrhythmias, or heart valve problems, the proper diagnosis, treatments, and medical management will determine their overall health years down the road. While complications associated with congenital heart defects are not a guarantee, they are a possibility and most children with congenital heart defects will need to be seen regularly by a cardiologist throughout their lifetime.
Those living with CHD have a bright future thanks to medical and surgical advances over the years. Still, there is no cure for CHD and vigilance is as important as that first diagnosis.
Exercise is something everyone can do with many options and it is an important part of staying healthy. The heart is a muscle, after all. Participating in organized or recreational sports is important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid diabetes, as well as reduce the chance of high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Physical activity also is a great stress reliever instead of adopting unhealthy habits later in life such as drinking alcohol, smoking, or mindless eating. Of course, anyone with CHD should discuss with their healthcare providers those activities best suited for them and if there are any that should be avoided.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
