Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): Types, Symptoms & Treatment

Congenital heart disease includes a range of structural heart defects present at birth. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help in early diagnosis and effective management.

What is Congenital Heart Disease?

Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to structural defects in the heart that are present from birth. These defects can affect how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body. CHD can range from mild conditions that do not require treatment to severe defects that may need surgery or lifelong medical care.

Some cases of CHD resolve on their own, while others require medical intervention, surgery, or lifelong monitoring to ensure proper heart function.

Types of Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease can be categorized based on how they affect blood flow:

1. Septal Defects (Holes in the Heart)

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole between the heart’s upper chambers (atria), allowing oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix.
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole between the lower chambers (ventricles), leading to increased workload on the heart.

2. Defects Affecting Blood Flow

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): A complex defect with four abnormalities that affect oxygen circulation.
Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA): Narrowing of the aorta that increases blood pressure.
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA): The two main arteries leaving the heart are switched, affecting oxygen flow.

3. Single Ventricle Defects

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS): The left side of the heart is underdeveloped, affecting circulation.

Common Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some defects may not cause noticeable symptoms, while others require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms in Infants

Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Poor feeding and slow weight gain
Bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails (cyanosis)
Fatigue or excessive sleepiness

Symptoms in Children & Adults

Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
Fatigue and weakness
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes
High blood pressure

Causes & Risk Factors

While the exact cause of congenital heart disease is not always known, several factors may contribute:

Genetic Factors: Family history of congenital heart defects increases the risk.
Chromosomal Abnormalities: Conditions like Down syndrome are commonly associated with CHD.
Maternal Health Conditions: Diabetes, obesity, or infections during pregnancy can impact fetal heart development.
Exposure to Harmful Substances: Alcohol, smoking, and certain medications during pregnancy can increase risk.

Treatment Options for Congenital Heart Disease

The treatment approach depends on the severity and type of heart defect.

Medications: Help manage symptoms, prevent blood clots, and control blood pressure.
Catheter-Based Procedures: Non-surgical methods, such as balloon angioplasty, to correct certain defects.
Open-Heart Surgery: Necessary for severe defects requiring structural repairs.
Heart Transplant: Used in life-threatening cases where heart function is severely impaired.

Prevention & Management

Regular prenatal care to monitor fetal heart development.
Vaccination against infections such as rubella during pregnancy.
Genetic counseling for high-risk families.
Healthy lifestyle choices, including proper diet and exercise.
Ongoing follow-ups with a pediatric cardiologist for early intervention.