Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8-10 out of 1000 live births worldwide and requires immediate intervention. Symptoms include cyanosis, shortness of breath, fatigue, and respiratory infections. Diagnostic tests include echocardiography, chest X-rays, and ECG. Early detection through foetal echocardiograms improves outcomes.
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common condition affecting 8 to 10 out of 1000 live births worldwide. It can range from mild to critical conditions that require immediate intervention. CHD is often diagnosed in early childhood or prenatally, with some cases revealing the problem through regular prenatal ultrasound screening.
Children with CHD may show various symptoms, including cyanosis, shortness of breath, fatigue, excessive sweating, poor growth and feeding, respiratory infections, persistent coughs, and swelling due to fluid retention. A doctor may also find a heart murmur during a medical examination, which could indicate a congenital heart problem and prompt further diagnostic testing.
Various non-invasive and painless tests, such as echocardiography, chest X-ray, and electrocardiography (ECG), are suggested to confirm a diagnosis of CHD. In some cases, supplementary tests like CT scans, MRI scans, and cardiac catheterization may be required to enhance the diagnosis and prepare a treatment strategy. More than 95% of diagnosed CHD defects are simple defects that usually require one-time surgery or intervention for a complete lifetime cure.
Recent developments in pediatric cardiology have made it possible to identify certain cardiac problems even before a baby’s birth. A specialized ultrasound examination called foetal echocardiogram can be done between weeks 16 and 24 of pregnancy to assess the anatomy and function of the developing baby’s heart. This early detection allows doctors to plan for appropriate management and treatment after birth, significantly improving outcomes for affected infants.
Conclusion
Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8-10 out of 1000 live births worldwide and can range from mild to critical. It is often diagnosed in early childhood or prenatally, with some cases revealing the problem through prenatal ultrasound screening. Symptoms include cyanosis, shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart murmurs. Non-invasive tests like echocardiography, chest X-rays, and ECG are suggested for diagnosis. Recent developments in pediatric cardiology allow early detection of cardiac problems, allowing for better management and treatment after birth.
