Classification, causes and treatment of congenital heart defects

Types, Signs, and Treatment of Congenital Heart Defects 

Among the most frequently diagnosed congenital pathologies are heart defects. They are detected within the first days of a child's life. However, with the use of modern ultrasound equipment during pregnancy, diagnosis can occur even earlier. Treatment for congenital heart defects can extend over years, but it often ends successfully. 

Causes of Congenital Heart Defects in Children 

The proper functioning of the heart is determined by its proper structure, so the causes of congenital heart defects in children lie in the disruption of the organ's formation during intrauterine development. Factors that may provoke the disease include: 

• viral infections in the mother during the first trimester of pregnancy – for example, influenza or rubella; 
• alcohol and drug dependence of the mother/father; 
• the use of certain medications during pregnancy (there is a particularly high risk in the first trimester); 
• endocrine diseases in the father/mother; 
• advanced maternal age; 
• heredity. 

Congenital heart defects are often linked to genetic abnormalities – this conclusion can be drawn if children with similar pathologies have previously been born in the family. The final conclusion should be made by a geneticist. 

How Congenital Heart Defects Manifest 

There are over a hundred types of this pathology, and the classification of heart defects is extensive. For example, blue and white heart defects are distinguished: the characteristic feature of the former is cyanosis of the skin, while for the latter, it is pronounced pallor. Symptoms of structural problems in the main organ may manifest even during intrauterine development. Signs of heart defects in a fetus on ultrasound may serve as grounds for both artificial termination of pregnancy and providing qualified medical assistance to the unborn child. 

If no abnormalities are detected before the child's birth, then in newborns, heart defects may be diagnosed by the following symptoms: 

• after birth, the baby has a pronounced cyanotic or pale tint to the skin of the face, ear lobes, and upper limbs; 
• skin cyanosis appears during crying/screaming by the newborn or during feeding; 
• the child's limbs are always cold. 

During the examination of the baby, the pediatrician may detect heart murmurs. Although this is not a characteristic sign of pathology, additional tests will be conducted to clarify the diagnosis. 

It is common that after birth, the child develops normally, and no signs of heart dysfunction are detected by the doctors. This development is characteristic of anomalies in the valve system. Symptoms of valve heart defects often manifest around the age of 10: 

• shortness of breath appears; 
• the child lags in physical development; 
• occasionally, the facial skin has a cyanotic tint. 

Heart defects in a newborn can also manifest as heart failure – a very dangerous condition that most often leads to death. 

Types of Heart Defects 

Most commonly diagnosed in the newborn period are aortic and mitral heart defects. In the first case, the cause of the pathology may be the absence of one of the valve flaps or its dystrophy. A diagnosis of aortic heart defect is often made only at the age of 10. This pathology falls into the category of congenital, and no symptoms are evident until this time. 

Mitral heart defects are diagnosed during the intrauterine period. This allows surgeons to perform surgery with special endovascular instruments either before the baby is born or immediately after its birth. 

Specifically, rheumatic heart disease should be mentioned – a type of pathology that develops due to the presence of rheumatism in the mother and the lack of proper treatment before pregnancy. Generally, rheumatism negatively affects the formation of the aortic valves – they can become deformed, or holes may appear in them (which should not normally happen). 

Treatment of Heart Defects 

If congenital heart defects are suspected in a newborn, the diagnosis involves performing tomography and an electrocardiogram. The results obtained will allow doctors to assess the "scale" of the problem and select effective treatment. 

Typically, when diagnosed, surgical treatment is prescribed – surgical operations for heart defects are the only way to ensure a full life for the child and adult in the future. Modern methods and equipment allow for even the most complex surgeries, including the "implantation" of an artificial valve if it cannot be "restored." Notably, not all patients with heart defects are given disability status – the overall condition, the results of the surgical treatment, and the likelihood of recurrence are taken into account. Of course, patients with such pathology (even after a successfully performed operation) need to limit physical exertion and regularly undergo preventive examinations, thereby preventing the development of complications. 

Comprehensive information about congenital heart defects is available from the specialists at our clinic. You can learn more and get answers to your questions, including how long people with heart defects live, on our website.