About Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)

What are Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)?

Congenital Heart Defects, or CHD, refer to problems with the heart’s structure that are present from birth. The term “congenital” simply means that these defects are present at birth, and “heart defect” means there is an issue with how the heart is formed. This can include abnormalities in the walls of the heart, the valves, or the blood vessels that connect to the heart. CHD affects how blood flows through the heart and out to the rest of the body.

How Common are CHDs?

CHDs are the most common birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in every 100 babies born. They vary widely in type and severity; some are mild and may not require treatment, while others can be life-threatening and need immediate medical care. Thanks to advances in medicine, most children born with CHD can survive and go on to lead healthy lives, though they may require ongoing care.

Types of Congenital Heart Defects

CHD comes in many forms. Some common types include:

• Septal Defects (often called “holes in the heart”): These occur when there’s an opening in the wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart. This can allow blood to mix between the two sides, which can strain the heart and lead to other health issues.

• Valve Defects: Valves control the flow of blood through the heart’s chambers. If a valve is too narrow, or if it doesn’t close properly, it can disrupt blood flow and put stress on the heart.

• Single Ventricle Defects: In a healthy heart, there are two pumping chambers, or ventricles. With a single ventricle defect, only one ventricle functions well, which can make it hard for the heart to pump blood effectively.

• Outflow Tract Defects: These affect the blood vessels that carry blood out of the heart to the lungs or the rest of the body. For example, in “coarctation of the aorta,” a major artery is narrowed, making it harder for blood to flow.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of CHD is often unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors can play a role. Family history, certain genetic conditions, and exposure to certain substances during pregnancy (like alcohol, smoking, or certain medications) can increase the risk of CHD.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of CHD depend on the type and severity of the defect. Common signs in infants may include:

• Bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails (called cyanosis)
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Fatigue, especially during feeding
• Poor weight gain or growth delays

Sometimes, mild defects don’t show symptoms until later in life. In these cases, symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in the legs may appear during adolescence or adulthood.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Many congenital heart defects are diagnosed through ultrasound before a baby is born. Other times, they are detected shortly after birth, especially if the baby has noticeable symptoms. Diagnostic tools like echocardiograms, MRIs, or EKGs can help doctors understand the specific nature of the defect.

Treatment for CHD depends on the type of defect and the person’s overall health. Some may only require regular monitoring and medication, while others may need procedures like cardiac catheterization or surgery. In severe cases, multiple surgeries may be needed over time. Fortunately, with modern treatments, most children with CHD can grow up and enjoy a good quality of life.

Living with CHD

People born with CHD often require lifelong medical follow-up, even if their condition was treated successfully. Many children and adults with CHD live full, active lives, but they might need to be mindful of physical activities and attend regular checkups with a cardiologist.

Congenital Heart Defects are a challenging condition, but with medical advancements, there’s hope for people born with CHD to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and ongoing care make a big difference. Raising awareness about CHD can help more families understand this condition and give hope to those affected.