September 29 is ” World Heart Day” and we have with us, Dr. Gopi Nalliayan a Paediatric Heart Surgeon who explains the importance of knowing the symptoms, signs, and risks of heart disease in babies and children.
Every year about 1.5 Lakh infants are born with congenital heart disease in India and about half of them die due to lack of proper diagnosis and treatment.
Early detection and treatment may save the lives of many babies. So it is important for the parents to know the signs and symptoms of heart disease in babies for prompt treatment.
1 ) What are the symptoms of Heart disease in babies and children?
Here are the symptoms of heart disease in babies and children:
For newborns up to 6 months:
- Breathing difficulty
- Excessive forehead sweating during breastfeeding
- Bluish discoloration of the lips and fingertips during crying
- Repeated respiratory tract infections with fever, cough, and nasal discharge
- Decreased weight gain according to age
For older children:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Bluish discoloration while playing or doing normal activity
- Fast heartbeat felt by the child or their parents
- Swelling in the legs may be the initial symptom
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a cardiologist to rule out Congenital Heart Disease in babies and children.
2) What is congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease is a condition that affects the heart in babies and children from birth. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the progression of heart disease in babies and children. Timely intervention can make a significant difference in managing this condition and ensuring better long-term outcomes for their heart health. Stay vigilant and seek medical attention for timely diagnosis and care.
3) What are the types of Congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease in babies and children encompasses various types, broadly classified into:
- Conditions with increased pulmonary blood flow: This occurs when there is an abnormal connection or hole in the upper or lower chamber of the heart, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs.
- Conditions with decreased blood flow to the lungs: In these cases, various conditions cause an obstruction to the blood flow to the lungs, resulting in reduced blood flow to this vital organ.
Early identification and appropriate management are crucial for addressing these types of congenital heart disease in babies and children. Seeking medical evaluation and care is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for their heart health.
4) When to treat the Congenital heart disease if identified?
The timing of treatment for congenital heart disease in babies and children depends on the specific type of condition they have.
For certain conditions, it is crucial to begin treatment within the first 21 days of life. These cases require immediate attention to ensure the best chances of a successful outcome.
However, for other types of conditions, a more conservative approach may be taken. With regular follow-ups and careful management of symptoms using medications, treatment can be delayed until the child is older, typically around 1 or 2 years of age. This allows for careful monitoring and assessment of the condition before deciding on the appropriate course of action.
It is essential to consult with a pediatric cardiologist who specializes in congenital heart disease. They will guide you in determining the right timing and treatment approach for your child, ensuring their heart health is given the utmost care and attention.
5) What are the types of treatment available for congenital heart disease?
There are different types of treatment available for congenital heart disease in babies and children:
- Medications: Some heart defects can be managed and symptoms controlled using medications. These medications help improve heart function and ensure the overall well-being of the child.
- Catheter-based procedures: In certain cases, minimally invasive procedures using catheters can be performed. This involves inserting a thin tube into blood vessels to reach the heart and repair the defect without the need for open-heart surgery. It is a less invasive approach with quicker recovery time.
- Open-heart surgery: For more complex heart defects, open-heart surgery may be necessary. Skilled pediatric heart surgeons perform surgical procedures to correct the defect, improve heart function, and restore normal blood flow. Advances in technology have made it possible to operate on even very young babies with low body weight.
The timing of treatment depends on the specific condition and its severity. In some cases, immediate correction after birth is essential to ensure the normal growth and development of the baby. The pediatric cardiac team works closely with parents to determine the best treatment approach, providing the necessary care and support for babies and children with heart disease to thrive and lead healthy lives.
Apart from routine open heart surgeries, today’s technology has developed to an extent that we can close the hole in the heart with a button type of device through the vessel in the leg without the burden of major surgery or anesthesia.
Also, certain surgeries can be done without stopping the heart ( beating heart surgery ) and with a small incision in the side of the chest wall to prevent scar in the center of the chest.
6) What are the problems if the heart disease was not detected in the childhood?
If heart disease in babies and children goes undetected, it can lead to several problems. Since a diseased heart requires more energy to function, affected children may struggle to gain weight as expected for their age, and their ability to engage in activities may be significantly limited.
If the condition is not identified and appropriately treated in early childhood, it can worsen over time. As the child grows older, correcting the heart disease becomes more challenging, as it may progress and start affecting other organs, including the lungs. Therefore, early detection and timely treatment are crucial in managing heart disease in babies and children effectively, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their overall health and well-being.
7) Whether the children will be normal after surgery?
The outcome of surgery for heart disease in babies and children varies depending on the specific condition and the timing of treatment.
In many cases, with proper treatment at the appropriate age, most children can lead a normal life. However, it is essential to emphasize the importance of regular follow-up appointments as advised by the healthcare provider. These follow-ups help monitor the child’s progress, identify any potential complications early on, and ensure ongoing care and support for their heart health.
Each child’s situation is unique, and the medical team will provide guidance tailored to their specific needs. With the right treatment, support, and regular follow-up care, the goal is to enable children with heart disease to thrive and live fulfilling lives.
8) What is the cause of congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease in babies and children is caused by developmental anomalies during pregnancy. Factors such as genetics, environmental influences, teratogenic substance intake, infections during pregnancy, and increased maternal age contribute to the development of heart disease. Understanding these causes is crucial for identifying and managing heart disease in babies and children effectively. Ongoing research aims to explore these causes further and improve prevention and treatment strategies for heart disease in this vulnerable population.
9) How to prevent this developmental anomaly and is there any method to identify it before the birth of the baby?
Preventing developmental anomalies and identifying them before the birth of a baby involves taking certain precautions and measures:
To prevent heart disease in babies and children:
- Avoid radiation exposure during pregnancy (e.g., x-rays, CT scans, metal detectors).
- Consult your gynecologist before taking any medication during pregnancy, even for common conditions like cold or body pain.
- Receive vaccination for Rubella infection before getting pregnant.
- Begin taking folic acid supplementation as soon as you miss your period and confirm pregnancy.
These precautions help reduce the risk of developmental anomalies and contribute to the prevention of heart disease in babies and children. It is important to prioritize prenatal care and consult with healthcare professionals for guidance on specific preventive measures to ensure a healthy pregnancy and promote the well-being of the unborn child.
Various tests are available to detect and manage heart disease in babies in utero. These include:
- TORCH profile: This test helps diagnose dangerous infections during pregnancy, providing crucial information for early intervention.
- Antenatal ultrasound scan: Typically performed around 20 weeks of pregnancy, this scan can detect the type of congenital heart disease, enabling appropriate management either in utero or after birth.
- Amniotic fluid examination: Conducted at 20 weeks of pregnancy, this test can reveal syndromes that may contribute to congenital heart disease.
These diagnostic tools allow healthcare professionals to assess the condition of the baby’s heart, administer specific medications during pregnancy if necessary, anticipate any challenges during delivery, and initiate prompt treatment if required after delivery.
Even if the likelihood of a baby having congenital heart disease is low, it is essential to stay informed about the condition and raise awareness among friends and family. By spreading knowledge, we can contribute to early detection and timely management of heart disease in babies and children, ensuring their well-being and long-term heart health.
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Author Bio
Dr. Gopi Nallaiyan M.S, M.ch, DNB is a Pediatric Heart Surgeon of more than a decade of experience in the pediatric cardiac field and has operated on simple and complex congenital heart defects in new born babies and adult congenital disorders.
If you have any queries on pediatric heart problems you can contact Dr. Gopi Nallaiyan through our Facebook group Happy Parents Clan or mail me at [email protected].
Images courtesy – FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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