Congenital Heart Disease – Overview
Congenital heart disease refers to a range of structural problems with the heart that are present from birth. These abnormalities affect the way blood flows through the heart and the rest of the body. This heart disease can vary in severity, from simple issues that may never need treatment to complex malformations requiring immediate surgery after birth.
The heart develops early during pregnancy. Sometimes, parts of the heart or its major blood vessels do not form correctly, leading to one or more defects. These may involve holes in the heart walls, poorly formed valves, or incorrect connections between blood vessels. Some babies are born with a combination of defects, which can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
Thanks to advances in prenatal screening and neonatal care, many congenital heart defects are now diagnosed before or shortly after birth. Some mild conditions may not cause noticeable symptoms and are only discovered during routine examinations in childhood or adulthood. More complex defects may be life-threatening and require urgent medical intervention.
Congenital Heart Disease
This disease is the most common type of birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in every 100 babies. While the exact cause is often unknown, genetic factors, maternal health conditions, and environmental exposures during pregnancy can increase the risk.
In the past, many children with this heart disease did not survive into adulthood. Today, however, medical advancements allow most to live long, healthy lives with appropriate treatment and monitoring.
In summary, thisheart disease includes a wide spectrum of heart abnormalities that develop in the womb. Early diagnosis and lifelong care are key to managing this condition and supporting heart health.
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