Congenital Heart Defects in Children – Symptoms and Causes

Every parent hopes for their new born baby to be healthy and strong. However, some babies are born with congenital heart disease which means their hearts didn’t form correctly during pregnancy. These conditions range from mild to severe and affect how the heart pumps blood and supplies oxygen to the body.

Heart defects present at birth are among the most common birth related conditions, yet many parents are not aware of them until symptoms appear. Some children show signs right after birth while others may not experience noticeable issues until later in life. The good news is that with early detection of congenital heart defects in children and the right medical care, many heart defects can be treated, allowing children to live full and active lives.

In this blog, we will explain this condition, the symptoms parents should watch for and how it is diagnosed and treated. Whether you are a parent, caregiver or simply want to learn more about your child’s heart health, this guide will provide clear and easy to understand information.

What Are Congenital Heart Defects?

CHDs are heart issues that a baby is born with. These defects can involve the heart’s walls, valves or blood vessels. Some heart defects are mild and don’t cause any symptoms, while others are more serious and may lead to health problems. In some cases, a child may need medical treatment immediately or surgery to help their heart function properly.

Common Symptoms of Congenital Heart Defects in Children

Symptoms of CHDs depend on the specific defect and its severity. Common symptoms include:

• Cyanosis – The skin, lips or fingernails appear bluish due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
• Rapid Breathing – The child breathes abnormally fast especially during feeding or activity.
• Swelling – Puffiness appears in the legs, abdomen or around the eyes.
• Fatigue – The child shows extreme tiredness especially when feeding or being active.
• Poor Weight Gain – Difficulty in gaining weight due to feeding challenges.
• Heart Murmurs – A doctor detects unusual heart sounds using a stethoscope.

It is important to note that not all children with CHDs will display these symptoms. Some defects may not cause noticeable issues until later in life.

Potential Causes and Risk Factors of Congenital Heart Defects

The exact cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. However, several factors may increase the risk:

Genetic Factors

CHDs can be inherited, meaning they run in families. Some genetic conditions, like Down syndrome, increase the risk of heart defects.

Maternal Health Conditions

Health conditions like diabetes or rubella during pregnancy can raise the risk of CHDs.

Medication Use During Pregnancy

Taking certain medications during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of congenital heart defects.

Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Consuming alcohol or smoking during pregnancy can elevate the risk of heart defects in the baby.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain environmental elements during pregnancy may contribute to the development of CHDs.

Different Types of Congenital Heart Defects

Ranging from simple to complex there are numerous types of CHDs. Some of the most common include:

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – A hole in the wall separating the two upper chambers of the heart.
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – A hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart.
• Tetralogy of Fallot – A combination of four heart defects that result in oxygen-poor blood flowing out of the heart and into the rest of the body.
• Coarctation of the Aorta – A narrowing of the aorta, the large blood vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the body.
• Pulmonary Stenosis – A narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which reduces blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

How to Diagnose Congenital Heart Defects?

Diagnosing CHDs typically involves physical examinations and specialized tests which are best assessed by an experienced cardiologist in Delhi.

• Physical Exam – A healthcare provider may detect a heart murmur or other signs during a routine check-up.
• Echocardiogram – This ultrasound test creates images of the heart, helping to identify structural abnormalities.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect irregularities.
• Chest X-ray – Provides images of the heart and lungs to identify any issues.
• Pulse Oximetry – A non-invasive test that measures the oxygen level in the blood.
• Cardiac Catheterization – Involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel leading to the heart to gather detailed information.

 

What are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for CHDs depends on the specific defect and its severity, often requiring the expertise of a top heart surgeon in Delhi. Options may include:

• Medications – To help the heart work more efficiently or to manage symptoms.
• Catheter Procedures – Minimally invasive procedures to repair certain heart defects without open-heart surgery.
• Surgery – In cases where catheter procedures aren’t sufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the defect.
• Heart Transplant – In severe cases where the heart defect cannot be repaired, a heart transplant may be considered.

 

Conclusion

Understanding congenital heart disease in children is essential for early detection and proper management. Recognizing the symptoms and being aware of the causes and risk factors can help parents seek timely medical attention to ensure the best possible care for their child.

At PSRI Hospital, we have an expert team equipped to diagnose and treat these conditions efficiently. With advanced medical technology and specialized care, we provide the highest level of treatment for children with heart defects.

If you have concerns about your child’s heart health, don’t wait. Get in touch with PSRI Hospital today and let our experienced team guide you toward the best possible care.

FAQs

What are the common signs of congenital heart defects in children?

Ans. Common signs include bluish skin (cyanosis), rapid breathing, swelling, fatigue, poor weight gain, and heart murmurs.

Can congenital heart disease be detected before birth?

Ans. Yes, CHDs can often be detected during pregnancy through fetal echocardiograms and other prenatal tests.

What causes congenital heart defects?

Ans. CHDs can be caused by genetic factors, maternal health conditions, infections during pregnancy, or environmental exposures.

Do all congenital heart defects require surgery?

Ans. No, some mild defects may not need treatment, while others require medication, catheter-based procedures, or surgery.

Where can I find the best treatment for congenital heart disease in Delhi?

Ans. PSRI Hospital has an expert team and advanced facilities to diagnose and treat congenital heart disease with precision and care.