Congenital heart defects: All about heart diseases in newborns, their symptoms, treatment options

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most prevalent birth defect affecting the heart's structure and function. In India, approximately 200,000 children are born each year with CHDs, and about 20 percent of these cases require surgical intervention. (Image: Canva)

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most prevalent birth defects affecting the heart's structure and function. In India, approximately 200,000 children are born each year with CHDs, and about 20 percent of these cases require surgical intervention. Early detection is critical for managing these conditions effectively. Prompt medical intervention and ongoing care significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for affected children. According to Dr Vikas Kohli, founder of the Child Heart Foundation, some common types of heart ailments in newborns include:

Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

A ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital heart defects, occurring when there is a hole in the wall that separates the heart's lower chambers. This hole allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with deoxygenated blood, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood to the body.

Symptoms: Improper feeding, rapid breathing, and failure to thrive in newborns.

Treatment: Small VSDs often recover on their own or with medications over time. However, larger VSDs may require surgical intervention to repair the hole and improve the heart's function.

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)

Atrioventricular septal defects are complex abnormalities in the atria, ventricles, and valves that control blood flow between these chambers. It causes various heart problems, including abnormal blood flow and poor oxygenation.

Symptoms: difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and poor weight gain.

Treatment: Surgical intervention is necessary to improve the heart's function and blood flow.

Tetralogy of fallot

The tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four heart defects that affect the structure of the heart and cause a disruption in blood flow. These defects include a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, an overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Symptoms: cyanosis, rapid breathing, and poor weight gain.

Treatment: Surgery is the primary treatment, aiming to correct the structural abnormalities and improve blood flow to the lungs and the rest of the body.

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Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)

In transposition of the great arteries, the two main arteries leaving the heart, the pulmonary artery and the aorta, are switched, leading to improper oxygenation of the blood. This condition can cause severe health complications if not treated promptly.

Symptoms: Cyanosis shortly after birth, rapid breathing, and poor feeding.

Treatment: An arterial switch operation via surgical intervention is necessary to restore the proper circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Patent Ductus Arteriosus occurs when a foetal blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, fails to close after birth, causing abnormal blood flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

Symptoms: Rapid breathing, poor weight gain, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Treatment: Treatment options range from medication to surgical ligation of the ductus arteriosus based on the severity.

Congenital heart diseases pose significant challenges for affected infants and their families. By opting for regular checkups and medical tests, parents and healthcare professionals can identify early signs, seek prompt medical attention, and opt for timely treatment.