What Are Congenital

Heart Defects?

What is CHD• Congenital Heart Defect is a problem

with the structure of the heart, usually present at birth.• Congenital Heart Defects are the most

common type of birth defects. In this condition, the flow of the blood through the heart gets disrupted.• The blood flow can slow down, go in

wrong direction or wrong place, or can get completely blocked.

Types of CHD1. Holes in the Heart (Septal Defects) a. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) b. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)2. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)3. Valvular Disorders a. Stenosis b. Atresia c. Regurgitation4. Tetralogy of Fallot

Causes & Risks Factors

• Maternal smoking/Exposure to second hand smoke during the first trimester of pregnancy.• Maternal Binge Drinking.• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.• Obesity in Mother.• Folate Deficiency.• Having a parent with CHD.

Signs & Symptoms of CHD

• Rapid Breathing• Cyanosis (A bluish tint to Skin,Lips,Fingernails)• Fatigue• Heart Murmurs• Poor Blood Circulation

How CHD is Diagnosed?

• Physical exams include checking the infant for rapid Breathing, Heart murmurs, Cyanosis, Delayed growth or any such symptom.• Diagnostic tests1. Echocardiography2. EKG (Electrocardiogram)3. Chest X Ray4. Pulse Oximetry5. Cardiac Catheterization

CHD Treatment Options

Treatment of a child depends on the type & severity of the heart defect & also Age, Size & General health of the child. Some types of CHD's can be cured with the help of plain medicines without any major Treatment. Treatment options for Complex CHD's:1. Cardiac Catheterization2. Surgery a. Open Heart Surgery b. Heart Transplant