About Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease is present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby's heart and the way it works. They have the potential to influence how blood flows through the heart and out to the rest of the body. CHDs range in severity from mild to severe.
There are different types of heart defects that may be present in a child as soon as he or she is born. Some of these common types include the following:
- Congenital defect in blood vessels.
- Congenital disease of the heart wall.
- Congenital disease of the cardiac valve/valves.
- Cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease.
Symptoms
- Swelling around eyes.
- Swelling around abdomen.
- Chest complications.
- Shortness of breath generally or during heavy work such as exercising.
- Pale grey or blue coloured skin.
- Swelling in the feet or around ankles.
- Low birth weight.
- Stunted growth.
- Seizures.
- Irregular heart rhythm.
- Fatigue.
Risk Factor
The following environmental and genetic risk factors may play a role in the development of congenital heart disease:
- Genetics - Congenital heart disease appears to be hereditary (inherited). It is linked to a variety of genetic syndromes. Children with Down syndrome, for example, frequently have congenital heart defects. While a baby is still in the mother's womb, genetic testing can detect Down syndrome and other genetic conditions. Measles in Germany (rubella). Rubella infection during pregnancy may have an impact on how the baby's heart develops while in the womb.
- Diabetes- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy may also have an impact on a baby's heart development. In general, gestational diabetes does not increase the risk of congenital heart disease.
- Medications- Certain medications can cause congenital heart disease and other birth defects if taken while pregnant. Lithium for bipolar disorder and isotretinoin (Claravis, Myorisan, and others) for acne treatment have both been linked to heart defects. Always inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
- Alcohol- Alcohol consumption while pregnant has been linked to an increased risk of heart defects in the child.
- Smoking- If you smoke, quit. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital heart defects in the baby.
Investigations
Based on the signs and symptoms experienced by the patient, the doctor may order a few tests to further diagnose and confirm the presence of congenital heart defect. The following are some of the most common tests ordered by doctors to diagnose a congenital heart defect:
- Pulse Oximetry: This is done to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood of the suspected patient.
- Fetal Echocardiogram: This prenatal test allows the doctor to confirm that the unborn baby does not suffer from any kind of heart
- Echocardiogram and Electrocardiogram: These two tests are used to see the heart for any abnormality and check its rhythm.
- X-ray of the Chest: This test is used to figure out if there is any swelling around the lungs and the heart.
| Procedure | India | Turkey | Dubai |
| (Price in USD) | (Price in USD) | (Price in USD) | |
| Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Treatment | 19803 | 22000 | 23005-31543 |
| ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Closure | 3500-5500 | 8000 | 10150 |
| PET CT Scan | 500-700 | 800 | 1900 |
| Truncus Arteriosus Treatment | 8000-10000 | - | - |
| Device Closure- ASD VSD | 4950-5850 | 15000 | 10150-12000 |
| Congenital Heart Disorder CHD | 4000-7000 | 6000 | 10892-13615 |
| Tetralogy of Fallot Repair | 5900-6300 | 4000 | 6000 |
| Fontan procedures | 4800 | - | - |
| Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt | 2560-4500 | 4500 | - |
| Echocardiography with Color Doppler | 150-250 | 240 | 1099-2000 |
| Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) Surgery | 6800 | - | - |
| Balloon Septostomy | 1500-2500 | - | - |
| Coronary fistula | 5500 | - | - |
| Arterial Switch Operation | 5500 | 10,500 | - |
| Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) Surgery | 5900-6300 | - | - |
| PDA Ligation | 4500 | - | - |
| AV Canal repair | 6750-7650 | 10000 | 10150 |
| Heart Surgery | 5000-8500 | 17000 | 25010-32850 |
| Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) Surgery | 5500-7500 | 11000 | 2010-32850 |
Note : This is an approximate cost and may vary depending on various condition of the patient health after physical evaluation.
Treatment Options
Side Effects
- Heartbeat Irregularities (Arrhythmias)- Faulty heart signaling causes the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or in an irregular rhythm. Severe arrhythmias in some people can lead to stroke or sudden cardiac death if not treated. Scar tissue from previous surgeries in the heart can contribute to this complication.
- Heart Infection (Endocarditis) -Bacteria and other germs can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart's inner lining (endocardium). If left untreated, this infection can cause heart valve damage or destruction, as well as a stroke. If you are at high risk of endocarditis, your doctor may advise you to take antibiotics one hour before dental cleanings. Regular dental examinations are essential. Healthy gums and teeth reduce the risk that bacteria will enter the bloodstream.
- Stroke- A congenital heart defect can allow a blood clot to pass through the heart and travel to the brain, where it reduces or blocks blood supply.
- High Blood Pressure -High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Some congenital heart defects cause an increase in blood flow to the lungs, resulting in increased pressure. This causes the heart muscle to weaken and, in some cases, fail.
- Failure of the heart- Heart failure (congestive heart failure) occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body.
Benefits
Success Rate
About 75% of babies born with a critical CHD are expected to survive to one year of age. Approximately 69% of babies born with critical CHDs are expected to live to the age of 18. Survival and medical care for babies with critical CHDs are getting better.