By: Babak Rahimi, M.D., pediatric cardiologist, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach
Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. They are estimated to affect 1 in 100 babies born in the United States, making heart defects the most common birth defect. Congenital heart defects can range from mild cases, such as a small hole between the chambers of the heart, to more severe cases that affect the function of the heart and require urgent surgical or trans-catheter intervention in infancy.
Since February 7-14 is congenital heart week, we at the Children’s Heart Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach want to spread awareness about what causes congenital heart disease and the signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease to make sure parents are well informed and every child gets the care they need. It’s also important for teens and young adults to be aware of symptoms, since these congenital defects are often not caught until they approach adulthood.
What Are the Causes of Congenital Heart Disease?
Congenital heart defects occur during the formation of the heart early on in pregnancy. What causes congenital heart defect is not well known, but it is known that it can be associated with genetic abnormalities in the fetus and certain medical conditions in mothers such as uncontrolled diabetes, exposure to certain infections or environmental factors during pregnancy, such as taking certain medications, alcohol consumption, and smoking.
What Are the Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease?
Signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease depends on the type and severity of their condition. Some patients born with congenital heart disease may not have any symptoms until well into adulthood.
In more severe forms of congenital heart disease your child may have the following symptoms:
In infancy:
- Difficulty or fast breathing
- Cyanosis (pale gray or blue coloring of the skin)
- Shortness of breath or sweating during feedings
- Poor feeding and slow weight gain
In Older children:
- Becoming tired or short of breath easily during exercise or activity
- Chest pain
- Palpitations (heart racing)
- Fainting or near fainting episodes especially during activity
What Should I Do if My Child Starts Showing Symptoms?
If you child starts to show any of the symptoms mentioned above, talk with your primary doctor. Your doctor may order certain tests or refer you to a pediatric cardiologist for evaluation. Tests that are helpful in diagnosis include chest X-ray, echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiogram (EKG) or Holter monitor to evaluate the severity of your child’s condition.
The Children’s Heart Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach provides total prenatal, infant, pediatric and young adult heart care for patients with congenital or acquire heart disease, patients who have a family history of heart problems, or kids and teens who are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect later in life. The physicians at the Children’s Heart Institute to diagnose and treat congenital heart disease, and thoroughly manage patient’s conditions with regular follow-up visits, additional diagnostic testing and preventative care to ensure patients live healthy lifestyles.
For more information about congenital heart disease, visit millerchilrens.org/heart.