A congenital heart defect is a condition that exists since the child’s birth and it affects the functioning of the heart. This is one of the most common birth defects. In some cases, this defect can affect the blood flow to the heart and it requires several surgeries. Whereas, in some cases, it will not cause any problems.
Dr. Hari Kiran has 10 years of experience working as a cardiologist in Hyderabad. He can handle any type of birth defect in the heart. He carefully examines your condition and will provide you with accurate treatment.
Types of Congenital Heart Defects
There are different types of congenital heart defects. Some of the common defects include:
- Septal defect where a child will have a hole between two heart chambers.
- Coarctation of the aorta where the aorta, the largest artery of the body, is narrower than normal.
- Pulmonary valve stenosis where the valve between right chamber of heart and major blood vessel to lung is narrower than normal.
- Underdeveloped heart where some parts of heart do not develop well and make it difficult for the pumping of the blood.
- Transposition of the great arteries where pulmonary, aortic valves and their connected arteries are swapped.
Causes of Congenital Heart Defects
The reasons for congenital heart defects are many. A few babies have this condition due to variations in chromosomes or genes. It can also be affected by the mother’s health condition, diet and medication used during pregnancy. For example, obesity has a direct effect on the heart. Smoking and drinking during pregnancy are also directly linked with heart defects.
Signs of Congenital Heart Defects
The symptoms of congenital heart defects range from mild to severe. The signs are based on the type of defect and its severity. Certain defects will not show up any signs, others can show the following symptoms:
- Irregular heart rhythms
- A blue tint to the skin, lips, or fingernails
- Difficulty with breathing
- Swelling of legs, stomach, area around eyes, and tissues
- Poor blood circulation
- Fatigue
- Low birth weight
- Delay in growth
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness when the baby is being fed
Treatment for Congenital Heart Defects
The treatment for this defect is based on the severity and the type of defect. Mild defects do not require any treatment and they heal on their own over time with growth of the baby. Other defects can cause serious problems and they require extensive treatment. The common treatment methods include:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to improve the functioning of the heart. Other medications can also be used to reduce blood clots and to control irregular heart rhythms.
- Implantable heart devices: Some types of this defect can be treated with devices such as pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators(ICD). These devices can regulate the irregular heartbeat.
- Device closure procedures: These procedures can be used by doctors to close a gap or hole in the heart muscle without opening the chest and heart. A thin tube will be inserted into the leg vein. When the tube is in the correct position, using a small mesh like device, the doctor will seal the defects. The device will form a layer over the defect and stay there forever.
- Open-heart surgery: This surgery is used if the catheter procedure does not work. Open-heart surgery can close holes in the heart and can repair heart valves.
- Heart Transplant: If the congenital heart defect is complex, a heart transplant may be required. During this surgery, the baby’s heart will be replaced with a healthy heart from a dead donor.
Looking for a Best Doctor to Treat Congenital Heart Defects? Visit Dr. Hari Kiran
Dr. Hari Kiran has 10 years of experience in treating patients with various heart problems including congenital heart defects. He carefully determines your condition and suggests the best suitable treatment option. Do not delay and book your appointment today.
