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March 2024

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Understanding Congenital Heart Defects in Newborns: A Complete Guide For Parents

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March 30, 2024
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Not everyone is born with a perfect heart and some Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most common types of birth defects, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 newborns all over the world. These defects often involve abnormalities in the structure of the heart or the major blood vessels near the heart, which can easily disrupt the normal flow of blood. Understanding CHDs is very crucial for early detection, prompt medical intervention, and better outcomes for challenged or affected infants. In this blog post, we’ll uncover various types of CHDs, how they are detected, some common symptoms, and available treatment options for the same.

Types of Congenital Heart Defects:

CHDs include a wide range of abnormalities, each affecting different parts of the heart. Some common types include the following:

1. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD):

This defect involves a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). VSDs can vary in size and severity and is often unique for all newborns with this medical condition.

2. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD):

In ASD, there is a hole in the wall that separates the heart’s upper chambers (atria). Like VSDs, ASDs can vary in size and severity and is unique to many newborns with heart abnormalities.

3. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF):

TOF is a complex CHD which is characterized by four specific types of heart defects: a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary valve stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy in newborns.

4. Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA):

In TGA, the positions of the pulmonary artery and the aorta switch places, leading to abnormal blood flow between the heart and the lungs which makes it difficult to oxygenate blood in the right amount.

5. Coarctation of the Aorta:

This defect involves a narrowing of the aorta which is the main artery responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the body, leading to decreased healthy blood flow to the body.

Detection of Congenital Heart Defects:

Most of the CHDs may be detected during pregnancy through routine prenatal screening, such as fetal ultrasound or fetal echocardiography. However, some defects may not be detected until after birth or during infancy. Common diagnostic tests for CHDs always include the following:

• Pulse oximetry screening: It measures oxygen levels in the blood, which can help identify some CHDs shortly after birth to doctors and medical professionals.

• Echocardiogram (Echo): An ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and its function, allowing healthcare providers to diagnose specific defects if they exist.

Symptoms and Signs:

The symptoms and signs of CHDs can vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some common signs that may indicate a CHD in newborns include the following:

• Cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails due to low oxygen levels)

• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing

• Poor feeding or fatigue during feeding

• Failure to thrive (poor weight gain and growth)

• Persistent coughing or wheezing

• Irregular heartbeat or heart murmur (abnormal sounds heard during a physical examination)

Treatment Options:

The treatment for CHDs also depends on the type and severity of the defect identified in the newborn. While some defects may require constant monitoring and detailed observation, others may include surgical intervention or other medical procedures. Common treatment options include the following:

• Medications: Certain medications may be prescribed by expert doctors to manage all the symptoms, control blood pressure, or prevent further complications.

•             Catheter-based procedures: These are minimally invasive procedures, which include balloon angioplasty or similar procedures, and may be performed to repair certain defects permanently.

•             Surgery: Open-heart surgery may be very necessary to correct more complex defects, such as VSDs, TOF, or TGA. Surgical techniques may include patching holes, repairing valves, or reconstructing blood vessels very carefully.

Conclusion:

Congenital heart defects are regarded as complex medical conditions for newborns that require early detection and appropriate management to ensure the best possible outcomes for affected infants as well as their families. With recent advances in medical technology and interventions of the 21st century, many children with CHDs are able to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. By scheduling an appointment with a reliable Pediatric doctor like Dr. Manvinder, parents can better understand their newborn’s heart health and take necessary steps to solve any heart complications if they exist. It’s essential for parents and healthcare providers to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms of CHDs and to seek prompt evaluation and treatment whenever it is necessary. After understanding CHDs and advocating for comprehensive care for newborns, we can make a positive difference in the lives of newborns and their families affected by these complicated heart conditions.

in Cardiology

Heart-Healthy Habits: Top 7 Tips for Promoting Cardiovascular Health in Newborns

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March 29, 2024
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The heart is an essential organ that is primarily responsible for the delivery of blood and oxygen to all body parts, ensuring that every organ and tissue can properly function and has sufficient energy for the same. Although newborns have a fully developed heart at birth, it is necessary to develop heart-healthy habits from the very first day to ensure that cardiovascular health is in good shape. If you wish to seek advice from an expert schedule an appointment with Dr. Manvinder who is an expert in Pediatric Cardiology Services and Pediatric and Neonatal Cardiac Surgery. In this blog, we will have a look at the functions of the newborn heart as well as some practical pieces of advice for parents and caregivers to improve and maintain heart health in their newborns.

Understanding the Newborn Heart:

At the moment of birth, a newborn’s heart experiences essential changes as it adapts to live outside the womb. The newborn heart has four chambers: there are two atria and two ventricles similar to that of an adult but much smaller in size, each of them with a specified function of pumping blood and circulating it around the body, providing pure blood everywhere in the body. The most common difference between the newborn and adult heart is that an adult heart has no openings, while the baby heart has two small openings called foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus, which usually close within the first few days or weeks following birth.

Functions of the Newborn Heart:

The major function of the newborn heart is to deliver oxygen-rich blood to different parts and organs of the body and at the same time to eliminate carbon dioxide and waste products from within the body. Also, the heart of the newborn is responsible for blood pressure regulation, water and electrolyte balance as well as metabolic function. By making sure that the newborn heart functions optimally and normally is the cornerstone of improving the general health and well-being of the baby to have a healthy fulfilling life.

Heart-Healthy Habits for Newborns:

1. Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding helps to deliver newborns with the needed nutrients and antibodies that promote cardiovascular health, increase immunity against diseases and promote growth for the newborn. Sufficient breastfeeding reduces the chance that the newborn will develop cardiovascular diseases in the future and ensures overall health and well-being.

2. Skin-to-Skin Contact:

A skin-to-skin connection between newborns and their mothers or caregivers develops a healthy bond and also stabilises the heartbeat rhythms and normalises the breathing patterns of the newborn. This kind of action is beneficial for cardiovascular health and also for the emotional balance of not only the baby but also the whole family.

3. Maintain a Healthy Environment:

To promote the cardiovascular health of newborns, it is necessary to set up a safe, healthy, clean and productive environment for babies. Ventilation should be adequate, the air temperature should be comfortable, and exposure to smoke, pollution, and other harmful gasses should be eliminated at all times.

4. Regular Check-ups:

Have a paediatrician who is reliable or a health care provider who is an expert in the field to conduct regular checks on the infant’s development and growth. With the doctor performing these medical checks frequently, they can identify heart problems and initiate precautionary measures and effective treatment for the same.

5. Promote Physical Activity:

While newborns may not directly be involved in formal physical activity, don’t forget to include gentle movements and simple exercises from time to time to enhance motor development and cardiovascular health. While the baby is still young, try including activities with a healthy purpose that will aware the baby about movement and physical fitness.

6. Avoid Exposure to Harmful Smoke:

Harmful smoke exposure results in the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory problems in newborns. Make sure your home is not a place to smoke, is away from any public smoking areas and limit the exposure to environmental tobacco smoke as well as other air pollutants.

7. Practice Safe Sleep:

Try to provide the safest sleep atmosphere for newborn babies by putting them on their backs to sleep, using a firm yet soft little mattress, and with soft bedding, cushions, and toys for the crib. Safe sleep practices reduce the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and promote heart health in the young child.

Conclusion:

Promoting heart-healthy habits from the earliest stages of life is very essential for supporting optimal cardiovascular health in newborns. By combining breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, maintaining a healthy environment, scheduling regular check-ups, promoting physical activity, avoiding exposure to harmful smoke, and practising safe sleep, parents and caregivers can lay the strong foundation for a lifetime of the best heart health for their newborns. If young ones encounter a heart problem then you can reach out to Dr. Manvider who is the Director and Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. He is an expert in this field and has helped several infants and their families to solve major heart complications with the best treatment solutions. By prioritising cardiovascular health for newborns from the start, we can ensure that newborns grow and thrive, setting the perfect healthy tone for a healthy future ahead.

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