February 2024

Understanding Newborn Heart Conditions: Classification, Identification and Remedies

Every parent looks forward to their child’s birth with great anticipation, hoping for a joyful and healthy start. But for other families, the happy news that their newborn has a heart issue might overshadow the significance of this event. There are several heart conditions and abnormalities that can be found in a child’s heart health. Even while it can be unpleasant, knowing about these medical conditions and the treatments that are available will help you provide your child with the best care possible and available. Parents have the option of choosing the best treatment for their young ones which will not only be effective but also promote a quick recover time as well. Here in this blog, we will explore a few common heart problems or abnormalities that doctors often find shortly after the screening of the newborn and offer the best possible treatments for them:

1. Congenital Heart Defects:

Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities present at birth that affect the heart’s function to beat and pump blood throughout the body. These defects can vary widely in severity, from minor issues that are resolved on their own by natural body healing to complex conditions requiring immediate intervention from professional doctors. Examples include atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and tetralogy of Fallot. Treatment options depend on the specific defect but may include medication, catheter-based procedures, or surgery to repair the defect and prepare the tiny heart for a healthy life.

2. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA):

In some newborns, the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, fails to close after birth as it should have been. This condition, known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), can lead to breathing difficulties and poor feeding sessions. Treatment may involve medication to help close the ductus arteriosus or, in severe cases, surgery to ligate or close the vessel, making the blood flow normally through the heart and body.

3. Coarctation of the Aorta:

Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, the main artery carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body, this is a very important element of the human body. This narrowing can restrict proper blood flow and lead to high blood pressure and heart failure in severe cases. Treatment typically involves surgery to repair the narrowed portion of the aorta and restore normal blood flow for a long life with a healthy heart.

4. Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA):

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a condition where the positions of the pulmonary artery and the aorta are switched. This leads to oxygen-poor blood circulating through the body, causing cyanosis (blueness of the skin) and other health complications which are deemed to be life-threatening. Treatment often involves surgery shortly after birth to correct the abnormal blood flow and ensure oxygen-rich blood reaches the body’s tissues for a healthy and oxygenated body.

5. Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS):

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a complex congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped and the right side is normally developed. This condition requires a series of surgeries from a top doctor, known as the Norwood procedure, the Glenn procedure, and the Fontan procedure, to reroute blood flow and improve heart function. In some cases, a heart transplant may be necessary if the complications are on the rise.

6. Remedies and Treatment Options:

The treatment approach for childhood heart conditions depends on various factors, including the specific diagnosis, the severity of the health condition, and the child’s overall health. In many cases, early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes and minimizing complications. Treatment options may include:

•             Medications: Certain medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms, improve heart function, or prevent complications.

•             Catheter-based Procedures: Minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon angioplasty or catheter-based valve repair, may be performed to correct certain heart defects.

•             Surgery: In more complicated cases, open-heart surgery may be necessary to repair structural abnormalities or improve heart function. Surgical techniques continue to advance, offering improved outcomes and shorter recovery times.

•             Cardiac Rehabilitation: Following surgery or other interventions, cardiac rehabilitation programs may be recommended to help children recover and regain strength.

It’s essential for parents to work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including pediatric cardiologists, pediatric surgeons, and other specialists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their child’s needs for the best treatment and outcome.

Conclusion:

While the discovery of a heart condition in a newborn can be frightening, understanding the condition in a better way and knowing the available treatment options is key to providing the best care for your child which is the primary requirement for every parent. With advances in medical technology and expertise, many childhood heart conditions can be effectively managed or corrected, allowing children to lead healthy and fulfilling lives in the future. By staying alert, informed, proactive, and engaged in their child’s care, parents can help navigate the journey of childhood heart health with confidence and optimism.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s heart health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified pediatric cardiologist like Dr. Manvinder who is the Director and Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon or healthcare provider for expert guidance and professional support. Together, we can ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to thrive and flourish, regardless of any challenges they may face in this world.

Young tiny hearts beat with the rhythm of life and are very fragile in nature proving to be harmful if not identified and treated at the earliest stage. As a pediatric cardiologist at NanheDil, The Child Heart Centre, Dr. Manvinder holds enormous experience and has witnessed the importance of maintaining children’s heart health firsthand. He is open to sharing his expert knowledge with the world to help parents develop a healthy heart for their adorable young ones, here are some useful tips for parents to consider during the journey of parenthood:

1. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits:

The parents can play the main role in encouraging heart-healthy eating habits at a young age for their kids. Promotion of a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should also be practised for the children. For example, replacing sweet treats with fresh fruits like apple slices and peanut butter or carrot sticks with hummus will make a huge difference in the long run. Through feeding nutritious meals and snacks to young ones, parents ensure that they get a lifetime habit of good heart health and overall well-being.

2. Stay Active Together:

The importance of regular physical activity to be in good health in relation to a good heart is evident. Parents can become role models by participating in physical exercises together with their children. Whether it’s going on relaxing walks, adventures while riding bikes, or playing outdoor sports as a family unit, being active with your family not only strengthens cardiovascular integrity but also builds permanent family ties. When parents include regular exercise in family life and make it a fun activity, they pass on healthy habits that their children will maintain throughout their long lives thereby having good heart health and a healthy mind as well.

3. Prioritize Quality Sleep:

Good sleep is vital to heart health and the overall health of individuals. A systematic approach to bedtime is necessary to ensure that children receive adequate sleep every night. By avoiding the use of technological devices for half an hour before bed while substituting such activities with easier, and relaxing activities like reading and gentle stretching, parents may provide a relaxing bedtime atmosphere for their children for a healthy sleep. Sleep hygiene is important when it comes to ensuring that parents help their children recharge their energy and support their heart’s health hand in hand.

4. Be Mindful of Stress:

Stress management is crucial, especially at the moment when a child is very young. Parents can show children good coping habits and examples to help them deal with stress by breathing properly or having a mindfulness mindset to find a solution rather than overthinking on the problem. There are other ways of managing stress, such as building an atmosphere for children, in which they freely vocalize their feelings and share their emotions without hiding any details. Parents should demonstrate effective coping mechanisms and express sympathy in times of conflict, enabling their children to create healthy methods for stress management in the future.

5. Know the Warning Signs:

Parents have to be made aware of the possible signs of heart problems in children. While heart conditions are unfamiliar among children, there are some symptoms such as complained shoulder and chest pain which should never be ignored, but it is very important not to overlook heart conditions even among children that are layered with chest pain, fainting, breathlessness or palpitations. Fortunately, parents who would soon get to know any symptoms that are unfavourable to them should immediately seek medical intervention to preserve their child’s heart health. Effective vigilance and proper proactivity on the children’s health could allow the parents to prevent heart diseases in their children and promote healthy hearts for a long life.

6. Regular Check-ups are Key:

Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are vital for monitoring children’s heart health at regular interventions. Pediatricians can perform routine screenings and evaluations to detect any potential issues early on for early and effective treatment. Parents should schedule regular appointments and communicate any concerns or family history of heart disease to their pediatrician to promote transparency. By staying proactive about their children’s health, parents can ensure that any potential heart issues are addressed promptly and that heart health is optimal.

7. Lead by Example:

As role models, parents have a significant influence on their children’s behaviours and habits. By prioritizing their own heart health through healthy lifestyle choices, parents set a positive example for their children to follow in their teenage and adult lives. Incorporating heart-healthy habits into family routines, such as cooking nutritious meals together or being physically active as a family, reinforces the importance of heart health from an early age and builds a strong family bond that lasts beyond a lifetime in the form of healthy cherished memories.

Conclusion:

Remember, nurturing young hearts goes beyond physical health and also includes emotional well-being and overall happiness for the children and the family. By incorporating these simple tips mentioned above into their family’s daily routine, parents can help develop a heart of heart-healthy habits for their children. Every small step towards a healthy lifestyle makes a child’s future healthier and amplifies heart health for children. It is also important to remember to identify early signs of discomfort in the infant’s body, muscles and bones and get immediate medical help regarding the same.

If you ever have more questions or concerns about your child’s heart health, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At NanheDil, The Child Heart Centre, we’re here to support you every step of the way and make your lives healthier for a long life and healthy experience altogether.

Dr Manvinder wishes you and your family continued health and happiness.