Congenital Heart Defect (CHD): The heart is a complex, muscular organ with four chambers designed to pump blood around the body. When properly formed there are two receiving chambers, atria and two larger chambers ventricles, but for those with a Congenital Heart Defect all is not working as it should be. Congenital heart defect means a person born with an abnormally structured heart and/or large vessels.
Congenital heart defects can range from simple problems, such as “holes” between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as complete absence of one or more chambers or valves. Now a day’s doctors use a physical exam Moreover special heart tests to diagnose congenital heart defects. They often find severe defects during pregnancy or even after birth.
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Defects in Newborns Include:
- Cyanosis – a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails
- Fatigue
- Poor blood circulation
- Rapid breathing
Worldwide 1.35 million infants are born with CHD each year. Recently, nearly half of the deaths of CHD occurred during infancy stage itself.
Treatment for Congenital Heart Defect:
- Open Heart Surgery
- Cardiac catheterization
- Heart Transplants
- Medication
Open heart surgery involves several treatments, including repairing or replace heart valves, closing or patching holes in the heart with stitches, widen arteries and openings to the valves. Most defects in babies can be repaired, but the majority of defects cannot be cured. In the rare situation when a defect cannot be repaired, the baby or child may need to undergo a heart transplant.
Drugs are well known as Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) and beta blockers and medications that cause fluid loss (diuretics) can help ease stress on the heart by lowering blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors include Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Ramipril and Trandolapril .
ARBs include Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Telmisartan and Valsartan.
Conclusion:
Finally, people with Congenital Heart Disease need treatment throughout their life. This is for the reason that people with complex heart problems can develop further problems with their heart rhythm or valves over time.
Journal Name: Journal of Cardio biology