WHAT IS CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Congenital heart disease  is having one or more abnormalities in the heart's structure that a person is  born with.This most common of birth defects can alter the way blood flows through the heart. Defects range from simple, which might cause no problems, to complex, which can cause life-threatening complications.

Congenital heart diseases may be a function of both environmental and genetic risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, certain medications by the mother during pregnancy.  

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Some common congenital heart disease symptoms one might have as an adult include:

• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• A bluish tint to the skin, lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
• Shortness of breath
• Exertion and exhaustion 
• Swelling of body tissue or organs (edema)

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: To determine whether a person has a type of congenital heart disease or if the congenital heart defect is causing recent health problems, the doctor will review detailed medical history followed by  a physical exam, including listening to the person’s heart with a stethoscope. In addition, certain tests such as Electrocardiogram (ECG), Chest X-ray, Echocardiogram, Pulse oximetry, Stress Tests, Cardiac CT scan or MRI, Cardiac catheterization, et cetera shall be conducted.

Treatment: Depending on the severity of the congenital heart disease, treatment might be aimed at correcting the congenital heart defect or dealing with complications caused by the defect. The treatment might include:

• Close monitoring and wait ( in minor heart defects)
• Medications 
• Implantable heart devices
• Special procedures using catheters
• Open-heart surgery, if catheter procedures fail
• Heart transplant,  if a serious heart defect can't be repaired 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

• If  a person is having worrisome symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath he or she must consult a doctor immediately
• Complications: Congenital heart disease complications that might develop years after the initial treatment include:
  • Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Heart infection (endocarditis) 
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Heart valve problems
• Congenital heart disease and Pregnancy: A successful pregnancy is possible if the mother has  congenital heart disease, especially if the defect happens to be mild. However, some women with complex congenital heart defects shall be  advised against pregnancy.