Congenital Heart Disease Within Children

 by Chandhana I

Congenital means that the condition was present from birth, therefore congenital heart disease generally means the range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works. There are a range of different congenital heart diseases, some of which include septal defects, which is where there are 2 holes within the heart's chambers. There is also another called coarctation of the aorta, where the aorta of the heart is narrower than usual. As well as, pulmonary valve stenosis, where the pulmonary valve and arteries have swapped positions. Despite all the different types of congenital heart disease (CHD), each similarly affects the body. 

Congenital heart disease is generally linked with symptoms such as dyspnea (not breathing fast enough), fatigue, dizziness, low weight, frequent respiratory infections, and cyanosis (blue tinge to the skin). Children who have congenital heart disease are more at risk of endocarditis, compared to the rest of the population. Endocarditis is the inflammation of the inner landing of the heart chambers and heart valves, as a result of a bacterial or fungal infection. This could potentially lead to heart failure, and therefore increased mortality. Moreover, congenital heart disease can result in delayed growth, meaning that children with congenital heart disease would be smaller or weaker compared to the regular growth of children. In addition to this, children with CHD, also are more likely to have problems with mental, emotional growth, and behaviour. Some may also have speech and language problems, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another health condition that may develop as a result of congenital heart disease is arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a problem with the rate/rhythm of the heart, either one’s heartbeat is too quick, or too slow. Similarly, having CHD may also result in kidney or liver disease, therefore a parent must be aware of their own, and of their child’s health, in order to minimise the risk of CHD. 

In order to minimise the risk of, when pregnant, a mother should maintain a healthy diet, ensuring to avoid saturated fats, as this increases the levels of bad cholesterol within the blood. But also, limiting the intake of salt, to no more than 6 grams per day. Furthermore, mothers should also maintain physical activity, as this would reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, and therefore CHD within your child. Additionally, mothers should also avoid drinking, smoking and recreational drugs, as this all contributes to a higher risk of the child developing CHD. Finally, mothers should ensure that they are taking their correct medication, and keeping control for any disease such as diabetes, as this would help reduce the risk of CHD within the child, but also encourage a more healthy lifestyle for the mother.