Congenital Heart Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors
Congenital Heart Disease also known as congenital heart anomaly, it is one of the most common birth defects. In this condition, there is a mixing of oxygenated blood with deoxygenated blood in the heart as blood flow is altered due to the anomaly in the structure of the heart.
Congenital Heart Disease Symptoms :
Although a congenital defect sometimes it remains asymptomatic initially, symptoms show up in adults. In many cases, symptoms reoccur even after treatment. The symptoms observed are:
- Cyanosis or bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membrane. Cyanosis is mostly seen on fingertips, the tip of the nose and lips.
- Arrhythmia
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue even after slightest work
- Oedema
- Rapid breathing
Congenital Heart Disease Causes :
- Usually genetic
- Infections during pregnancy like rubella
- Alcohol consumption during pregnancy
- Taking medicines during pregnancy such as lithium
- Children born to mothers suffering from diabetes are at risk of developing this condition
- Children born to mothers suffering from autoimmune diseases such as lupus are at risk of having this condition.
- Obesity of mother increases the risk of a congenital heart anomaly.
- Folic acid deficiency in mother both during and pre-pregnancy increases the risk of a congenital heart anomaly.
Congenital Heart Disease Risk factors :
- Women suffering from rubella during pregnancy are at risk of having child/children born with this anomaly
- Children born to mothers who are on drugs such as lithium
- Children born to mothers who consume alcohol during gestation
- Children born to mothers who smoke
- Family history
Complications :
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Arrhythmia
- Endocarditis
- The anomaly on heart valves
- Stroke
- Heart failure
Prevention :
- Avoid alcohol during pregnancy
- Vaccinate against rubella before planning your baby
- Have Folic acid supplements during the first trimester
- Consult your doctor before taking any medicines during pregnancy
- Control your blood sugar levels
- Avoid getting infected during pregnancy
- Do not expose yourself to organic solvents like nail polish remover or paint thinners.
When to see a doctor :
If you experience symptoms of congenital heart anomaly do see your doctor. If you have undergone treatment of this condition still you need to visit your doctor regularly as symptoms tend to relapse after a few years.
