Causes of Congenital Heart Disease
Causes of congenital heart disease are often complex and multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental components. Although congenital heart disease begins during foetal development, the precise reason why a baby’s heart doesn’t form properly is frequently unknown.
Genetic Causes
Genetic abnormalities play a significant role in many congenital heart defects. Some are associated with chromosomal disorders such as:
Down syndrome
Turner syndrome
DiGeorge syndrome
In these cases, the faulty development of the heart occurs alongside other physical or developmental abnormalities. Occasionally, a child inherits a single gene mutation from a parent, which increases the likelihood of heart defects. These mutations may occur spontaneously or run in families.
Maternal Health and Lifestyle Factors
A mother’s health during pregnancy can influence the risk of her baby developing congenital heart disease. Higher risk factors include:
Poorly controlled diabetes
Rubella infection during pregnancy
Use of certain medications (e.g. lithium, isotretinoin)
Alcohol or drug use
Smoking during pregnancy
Exposure to environmental toxins or chemicals
Good prenatal care, including managing chronic conditions and avoiding harmful substances, can reduce the risk of heart defects.
Unknown or Idiopathic Causes
In many cases, no specific cause can be identified. The heart is a highly complex organ, and even a minor disruption in its development during early pregnancy can lead to congenital defects. This makes prevention difficult in some instances.
Family History | Causes of Congenital Heart Disease
A child is more likely to be born with a heart defect if a parent or sibling has had one. This hereditary link prompts screening and monitoring in future pregnancies for families with a history of congenital heart disease.
To conclude, the causes of congenital heart disease involve a mix of genetic, environmental, and maternal factors. Understanding these causes enables better screening, prevention strategies, and early detection during pregnancy.
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