Congenital Heart Disease
About This Condition
Congenital heart disease is an abnormality affecting the heart which is present at birth. This congenital abnormality can affect the heart's valves, walls and blood vessels.
As a result, this severely impairs the heart's function. There are three main types of congenital heart disease: defects affecting heart valves (leaking or closing too soon), defects in heart walls (poor chamber development, blood pooling), and defects affecting blood vessels (transportation interference).
Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble feeding
- Angina
- Poor development
- Swelling
- Lethargy
Causes
Congenital heart disease is due to early development affecting the formation of the heart's structure. The heart may fail to develop adequately due to a family history of heart defects, taking prescription medication during pregnancy, alcohol or narcotic intake during pregnancy, viral infection during pregnancy (the first trimester), or hypertension.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and stress test, x-ray of the chest, cardiac catheterisation and MRI of the heart. Some more detailed than the rest, all these tests provide detailed imaging of the inside of the heart's structure.
Treatment
While some babies with heart abnormalities heal in time, some patients require surgery or medical treatment based on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment for congenital heart disease involves the use of implantable devices (pacemakers & cardioverter defibrillators) and surgery such as catheter repair, whereby doctors thread surgical tools via the catheter to repair the defect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blood test be used to screen for congenital heart disease?
A blood test can detect defects in the chromosomes linked to congenital heart disease.
What is the best way to check for congenital heart disease?
An echocardiogram is the best test for a congenital heart-related defect. An echocardiogram is labelled an 'ultrasound movie', displaying moving images of the interior of the heart.
Related Conditions
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is plaque build-up in the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart and its coverings. Plaque is predominately fat from saturated products and choline - a nutrient traced in red meat, dairy and eggs.
Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
An irregular heartbeat is what many doctors refer to as arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is inconsistent beating or fluttering of the heart muscle.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a term to describe the heart's poor ability to pump blood efficiently. Heart failure is mainly due to the weakening of the heart muscle.
Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease arises from damage to the heart's valves. The heart consists of four valves that maintain the steady flow of blood.
Medical Conditions Affecting the Heart
Heart disease refers to a collection of heart-related disorders affecting the performance of the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease is the most common medical condition affecting people worldwide. A high fat and cholesterol diet contributes to the development of coronary artery disease when the coronary arteries begin to narrow and restrict the flow of blood.
Related Procedures
Coronary Angiogram
A coronary angiogram utilises x-ray imaging to view the heart's blood vessels in detail. The test is designed to check for obstructions in the coronary arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure to reopen a blocked coronary artery. Fat and harmful cholesterol can get stuck in the coronary arteries and prevent smooth blood flow throughout the body.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a detailed scan used to analyse the heart and blood vessels. An ultrasound probe emits high-powered sound waves that produce echoes as the sound waves bounce against parts of the body.
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram
A transoesophageal echocardiogram is a test used to assess the heart's structure and function. Similar to a small microphone, a transducer emits high-powered ultrasound waves that penetrate the skin, bodily tissues and heart muscle.
Electrical Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion is a quick and efficient procedure that corrects the irregular rhythm of the heart. A machine and adhesive patches (electrodes) deliver low-dose shock energy to the chest to control an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial flutter.
Pacemaker Implants
A pacemaker is a 20-50g device inserted in the chest to correct a very slow heartbeat. The pacemaker emits electrical impulses that control the heart, preventing an irregular heartbeat.