Diabetes in mother, poor prenatal nutrition biggest causes of congenital heart defects in infants, warns cardiologist

Causes of congenital heart diseases: If a mother has health issues like diabetes or obesity before pregnancy, it can raise the chances of the baby having a heart problem (Image: Canva)

Congenital heart defects occur when a baby’s heart or nearby blood vessels do not form properly during early pregnancy, often very soon after conception, usually before the mother even knows she is pregnant.

Each year, nearly 200,000 babies in India are born with a congenital heart defect. Yet, many of these conditions go unnoticed because their symptoms often mimic common infant issues.

It’s easy to mistake a bluish tint to the skin or poor feeding for something less serious, like an infection or malnutrition, Dr Vivek Tandon, Director and Head of Cardiology, ShardaCare, Healthcity, New Delhi, tells Moneycontrol. “However, these can sometimes be the earliest signs of a serious heart defect,” he adds.

Also read | What types of heart disease are there and how these 5 foods can combat them

This subtlety means precious early days for diagnosis and treatment are often lost. “Approximately 20 percent of affected infants require medical intervention within their first year, yet many never receive it,” he warns.

Causes of congenital heart diseases

There are a number of reasons why some babies are born with heart defects. For example, if a mother has health issues like diabetes or obesity before pregnancy, it can raise the chances of the baby having a heart problem. Also, not getting enough important nutrients, like folic acid, early in pregnancy can affect how the baby’s heart forms.

According to the Heart Organisation, congenital heart defects vary widely in severity. Some defects are relatively simple, such as small holes between the heart’s chambers, while others are much more serious, like missing entire chambers or valves. These defects may or may not affect how well a person’s heart and blood vessels function. However, having a congenital heart defect increases the risk of health problems including pulmonary hypertension, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), infections of the heart lining (infective endocarditis), heart failure, and even kidney or liver disease.

Also read | Ventricular Septal Defect in newborns: Causes and symptoms of heart murmurs in babies, how they heal

Every year, a significant number of infants with treatable conditions are lost. Dr Tandon emphasises that awareness campaigns are as essential as medical infrastructure to improve early detection and treatment. Lack of awareness and access to quality cardiac care can be blamed.

Such care remains largely urban, says Dr Tandon. “Children in rural areas often never make it to the diagnosis stage, let alone surgery. It’s not only a matter of geography; cost remains a critical barrier.”

FAQs on Congenital Heart Diseases

1. What is a congenital heart defect?

2. What are common signs of congenital heart defects in infants?

Common signs include a bluish tint to the skin or poor feeding, which can be mistaken for less serious issues like infections or malnutrition.

3. How common are congenital heart defects in India?

Each year, nearly 200,000 babies in India are born with a congenital heart defect, with many conditions going unnoticed due to subtle symptoms.

4. What causes congenital heart defects?

Factors include maternal health issues like diabetes or obesity, and insufficient intake of essential nutrients like folic acid early in pregnancy.

5. What complications can arise from congenital heart defects?

Complications include pulmonary hypertension, irregular heartbeats, infections of the heart lining, heart failure, and kidney or liver disease. Early intervention is crucial.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.