What Are Congenital Heart Defects? Know How To Prevent Them

Around one in every 100 infants worldwide is affected by congenital heart abnormalities (CHDs), which are among the most prevalent kinds of birth disorders.

Congenital Heart Defects In Children And How To Prevent Them

It is commonly accepted that a mix of hereditary, environmental, and developmental variables are responsible. Preconception, prenatal, and postnatal factors must all be taken into account in order to fully comprehend and avoid CHDs. (Image Source: Getty)

Preconception and Prenatal Factors: It is important to get a complete grasp of the mother's medical history prior to conception. Pre-existing medical issues, pharmaceutical use, and lifestyle choices (such as alcohol and smoking) can all have a substantial impact on a newborn's risk of congestive heart failure. Identification of potential risk factors also depends critically on prenatal screening, diagnostic testing, and access to high-quality prenatal care. Additionally, closely monitoring sugar consumption is paramount. Being vigilant about any drug intake during the first three months of pregnancy is essential, as this critical period is particularly sensitive for foetal development. Furthermore, the consumption of folic acid is of utmost importance, as it plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects and supporting the healthy development of the baby. (Image Source: Getty)

Genetic Predisposition and Counselling: A family history of congenital heart abnormalities or related cardiac issues should also be carefully considered. Genetic counselling and testing can provide valuable insights into the potential risk of CHDs, guiding both medical interventions and family planning decisions. If there is a diagnosis during the first pregnancy, it is crucial to remain vigilant for any recurrence or related issues in subsequent pregnancies. Monitoring and addressing potential concerns early on can contribute to better outcomes for the mother and the baby during the second pregnancy. (Image Source: Getty)

Environmental Exposures: Maternal exposure to toxins, pollutants, and certain medications during pregnancy can contribute to the development of CHDs. Collecting data on environmental factors and geographical associations can aid in identifying potential risk factors and devising preventive strategies. (Image Source: Getty)

Birth and Neonatal Care: Recording birth weight, gestational age, and neonatal care details can offer valuable information for understanding the correlation between birth-related factors and CHDs. In addition to this, it is crucial to consider factors such as maternal smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Furthermore, ensuring timely assessment of oxygen saturation levels in newborns is essential. Monitoring oxygen saturation can help identify potential cardiac issues early on and facilitate prompt intervention when necessary. Access to pediatric cardiology services and specialized care facilities becomes even more critical in cases where abnormalities or concerns are detected during oxygen saturation assessments. (Image Source: Getty)

Postnatal Follow-up and Education: After birth, ongoing monitoring and follow-up care for infants with CHDs are crucial. Equally important is providing educational resources for parents and caregivers on recognizing symptoms of CHDs, as well as information on healthy prenatal and postnatal practices that can lower the risk of congenital heart defects in future pregnancies. Additionally, parents need to be attentive to their infant's normal weight and height, as any deviation from the expected growth patterns could be indicative of a potential congenital heart defect. Early detection of such anomalies is essential for timely intervention and treatment. (Image Source: Getty)

Inputs by: Dr Pankaj Sugaonkar - Pediatric Cardiologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune (ImageSource: Getty)