Congenital heart disorders are the different problems in the structure of the heart of children which is present at birth. Some of the congenital disorders of the heart are so minor that they cause no symptoms and there is no requirement of treatment for the disorder. But in some cases, the symptoms are so severe that congenital heart disease should be managed with aggressive treatment and surgical procedures. No known cause of congenital heart disorder can be prevented. However, it is said that proper care during pregnancy, no use of smoking and alcohol, and by taking proper medications and diet, one can lower the chances of complications during pregnancy. Some medications can cause permanent damage to heart structure and should be avoided in pregnancy. For females who have a higher risk of giving birth to a child with a congenital heart disorder, genetic testing, and screening can be used during pregnancy to find out any abnormality if present. Symptoms are usually different for more severe and mild congenital heart disorders. So for the less severe congenital heart disorder, the symptoms may appear late in childhood when the child is almost 3 to 4 years or even older. The proper treatment and surgery are required to treat the congenital heart disorder otherwise it can lead to life-threatening conditions and may lower the quality of life.
Types of Congenital Heart Defects Treatment India
There are so many types of congenital heart disorder. Some of these are:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Transposition of the Great Arteries
- Coarctation of the Aorta
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
This congenital heart disorder involves a hole in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart. This opening allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix which can overload the heart over time. Symptoms can vary from none to shortness of breath and fatigue. This may require a surgical treatment to close the hole.
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
VSD is a congenital disorder in which there is a hole in the wall between the lower chambers of the heart. Like ASD, oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood mix that can put extra stress on the heart. Symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on the severity of the deformity.
Tetralogy of Fallot
This complex congenital heart disorder consists of four defects that include a ventricular septal defect (VSD), narrowing of the valve and artery from the heart to the lung, aorta shifting over the VSD, and thickening of the right lower side of the heart. These abnormalities disrupt blood flow that can lead to poor oxygen blood to circulate in the body.
Transposition of the Great Arteries
In this condition, the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched, leading to disturbed circulation of oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood. This results in inadequate oxygen supply to the body. Newborns may appear blue and require immediate medical intervention for proper blood flow.
Coarctation of the Aorta
In this type of congenital heart disorder, the aorta, the main artery, constricts or becomes narrow. This narrowing of the artery blocks the blood flow and raises blood pressure in the upper body while decreasing it in the lower body.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
This congenital heart defect is a severe form of congenital heart disease where the left side of the heart is not properly developed. As a result, the heart cannot pump blood effectively to the body. It is one of the severe forms of congenital heart disease that requires immediate treatment and surgery.
Treatment for congenital heart disease
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. At times new-born have mild heart problems that may heal on their own in time while others may be born with severe heart defects that need immediate attention. Some of these treatments are:
Medication: Medication is always the first step to try and treat the heart defect in a child. Some of these medicines may be used to prevent the blood clots in the heart while others may be used to control the irregular heartbeat.
Implantable Heart Devices: Certain complications associated with congenital heart defects can be prevented by the use of implantable devices which include pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators. A pacemaker is used to regulate the irregular heart rate and implantable cardioverter defibrillators or ICD is used to correct more life-threatening irregular heartbeats.
Open Heart Surgery: The catheterization is not enough to repair the congenital heart defect, an open-heart surgery is an option to treat the defect. The surgeon by way of an open-heart surgery will close the holes in the heart, repair the heart valves, and widen the blood vessels.
Heart Transplant: In some rare cases when the congenital heart defect is too complex to fix with the above-given options, a heart transplant may be required. In this procedure, the child's heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor.
Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Defects Treatment India
Some of the diagnostic procedures for congenital heart disorders are:
Fetal Echocardiogram
This is the procedure where ultrasound is used for the baby's heart during pregnancy to detect structural abnormalities.
Echocardiogram (Echo)
The use of Ultrasound of the heart after birth to see a clear picture of its structure, function, and blood flow.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
This test measures the heart's electrical activity and identifies irregular rhythms and signs of strain.
Chest X-ray
It provides images of the heart and lungs that help to identify enlargement of the heart or lung.
Cardiac Catheterization
This is an Invasive procedure to assess blood flow, pressure, and oxygen levels within the heart chambers and vessels.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
It offers detailed images of the heart's structure that allows for better evaluation of complex defects.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
CT scan provides even more clear images of the heart and blood vessels that help in diagnosis and surgical planning.
Pulse Oximetry
It measures oxygen saturation in the blood and detects low levels early.
Genetic Testing
Genetic tests identify genetic factors that can be the cause of congenital heart disorders.
Holter Monitor
It records the heart's activity over 24 hours and reveals irregular rhythms.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are performed to assess oxygen and nutrient levels.
Nuchal Translucency Screening
This is a screening test that is performed in the first trimester. The ultrasound measurement during early pregnancy is used to assess the risk for chromosomal disorders and also includes heart defects.
Cost of Congenital Heart Disorder Treatment in India
The cost of congenital heart treatment in India ranges from 2000 USD to 3500 USD. The cost can vary according to the type of congenital heart defect. The cost can also vary according to the hospital’s facilities and the skill of the surgeon.
- Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD) 2131 USD 2841 USD
- ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Closure 2610 USD 3480 USD
- Tetralogy f Fallot Repair 2397 USD 3196 USD
- Heart Surgery 2400 USD 3200 USD
Symptoms and Risk factors
Some of the symptoms of congenital heart disorders are:
- Bluish appearance of hands due to poor circulation
- Rapid breathing
- Poor feeding
- Tiredness
- Difficulty in gaining weight
- Sweating
- Breathing infections
- Swelling in extremities
- Abnormality of fingers
- Abnormal heart sound
- Bluish skin or lips
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Poor growth
Risk factors of congenital heart disorder
Here are some common risk factors associated with congenital heart disorders:
Genetic Factors
Congenital heart disease can be due to the abnormal genetics that run in the families.
Family History
A positive family history can be the major risk factor for congenital heart disorders.
Maternal Infections
Infections during pregnancy or Illnesses during Pregnancy can be the risk of developing congenital heart disorder.
Certain Medications or Drugs
Some of the medicines are most likely to be the cause of congenital disorders. These drugs should not be given to pregnant women.
Maternal Age
The extreme age of the mother can be the risk of congenital disorders especially those younger than 20 or older than 40.
Diabetes
Poorly Controlled Diabetes during Pregnancy can be the cause of abnormal structure of hearts.
Smoking or Alcohol
Use of alcohol and smoking can be very dangerous during pregnancy as it leads to many abnormalities including congenital heart disorder.
Poor diet
A poor diet and excess weight can be the risk of developing congenital heart disease.
03/05/2024
