Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is any heart defect that exists from birth. There are a number of defects that are included in his category.

The heart itself may not develop properly during pregnancy.

The surrounding blood vessels may be under-developed causing the heart to become strained.

The walls of the heart may have a hole in them or there may be an abnormality in the arteries.

Causes

CHD may be due to hereditary factors (Hereditary Heart Disease also known as Genetic Heart Disease) but it is also frequently caused by external factors such as drugs or infection.

The total number of babies born with CHD is less than 1%, but there are no definite figures for the percentage of these cases that are due to Hereditary Heart Disease compared to external factors

Diagnosis

CHD will often be detected either during pregnancy by an ultra sound scan.

At birth, “blueness” or breathlessness may also be a sign.

However CHD may not be diagnosed until childhood or adulthood.

A heart specialist will use a combination of ultrasound, X ray, MRI Scan or CT Scan to determine the extent of any congenital defect.

Treatment

The treatment of CHD will vary considerably from person to person depending on the specific defect, the severity of the defect and the age of the person when it is detected.

It could be as simple as monitoring the condition, through to regular medication or surgery.

It’s Your Heart. It’s Your Life.

It’s Your Choice.

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