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From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Congenital Heart Disease
Heart_diagram-en.svg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Cyanosis, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart murmur
Complications Heart failure, arrhythmias, endocarditis
Onset At birth
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Genetic and environmental factors
Risks Family history, maternal diabetes, maternal alcohol use
Diagnosis Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, MRI
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Surgery, medication, catheter-based procedures
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency 1 in 100 births
Deaths N/A


Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) refers to a range of birth defects that affect the normal workings of the heart. These defects can involve the interior walls of the heart, the heart valves, or the large blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart. CHD is the most common type of birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in 100 live births.

Classification

Congenital heart defects are classified based on the specific structural abnormalities present. The main categories include:

Cyanotic Defects

Cyanotic heart defects result in a decrease in the amount of oxygen delivered to the body, leading to cyanosis, a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and nail beds. Common cyanotic defects include:

Acyanotic Defects

Acyanotic heart defects do not typically cause cyanosis but can lead to other complications such as heart failure. Examples include:

Causes

The exact cause of congenital heart disease is often unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some known risk factors include:

Symptoms

Symptoms of congenital heart disease can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the defect. Common symptoms include:

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of congenital heart disease typically involves a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests. These may include:

Treatment

Treatment for congenital heart disease depends on the specific defect and its severity. Options include:

Surgical Intervention

Many congenital heart defects require surgical correction. Common procedures include:

Catheter-Based Procedures

Less invasive than surgery, these procedures use catheters to repair defects:

Medication

Medications may be used to manage symptoms or prevent complications:

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with congenital heart disease varies widely. Advances in medical and surgical treatment have significantly improved outcomes, allowing many individuals to lead normal, active lives. However, lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist is often necessary.

Prevention

While not all cases of congenital heart disease can be prevented, certain measures can reduce risk:

  • Prenatal care and screening
  • Avoidance of alcohol and certain medications during pregnancy
  • Management of maternal health conditions

See Also



Cardiovascular disease A-Z

Most common cardiac diseases

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD