What Causes Congenital Heart Defects In Children? Know If Parents Need To Worry

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are conditions present at birth that affect the structure and function of a baby's heart

CHDs can result from various factors such as viral infections, certain medications, alcohol and smoking, maternal chronic infections like diabetes, and genetic mutations.

It is the most common type of birth defect, with an incidence of 6 to 8 per 1000 live births.

Some common congenital heart defects include transposition of great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, and ventricular septal defects

Signs of CHDs includes:

1. Feeding issues: This means, suck-rest-suck cycle, increased work of breathing, and excessive sweating during feeds.

2. Poor weight gain

3. Persistent rapid breathing

4. Chest retractions, Without fever or cough, alae nasi moving.

5. Persistently high heart rate (even during sleep)

6. Pale mottled skin or blue lips, tongue, and nails, or a baby turns blue when crying

7. Baby gets tired easily and starts fast breathing

8. Recurrent lung infections

Approximately 1/3rd of children with CHDs may not attain full capacity and may require a sedentary lifestyle

Basic checks for CHDs involve an ECG and an ECHO, which is a heart ultrasound

Timely diagnosis and medical attention can lead to the cure of most CHDs

Inputs by: Dr. D. Srikanth, Sr. Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad