Congenital Heart Diseases: What They Are, Their Symptoms, and Treatment
The heart is at the center of life. However, some individuals face heart-related problems from birth. Congenital heart diseases involve heart structure abnormalities present from birth. These diseases cause problems of varying degrees in the heart walls, valves, or vessels.
What Are Congenital (Birth) Heart Diseases?
They encompass abnormalities in the heart structure that occur while the baby is still in the womb. These diseases prevent the heart from functioning normally. They can be mild or severe.
Some congenital heart diseases can progress without symptoms. However, some cases manifest themselves with serious symptoms. Thanks to modern medicine, many patients continue to live healthy lives with early diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Causes of Congenital Heart Disease?
The exact cause is not fully understood. However, genetic and environmental factors play a major role.
- Genetic Factors: There is a history of congenital heart disease in the family.
- Infections in the Womb: Infections such as measles or influenza pose a risk.
- Exposure to Radiation and Chemicals: Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy can be a factor.
- Maternal Nutrition and Diabetes: Poor nutrition and uncontrolled diabetes increase the risk.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. In mild cases, symptoms may not be noticeable. However, in serious cases, noticeable symptoms may appear early on.
- Bruising on the skin (especially on the lips and nails)
- Difficulty breathing
- Tiring easily during feeding
- Insufficient weight gain
- Heart palpitations
- Fainting or dizziness
If these symptoms are observed, a specialist should be consulted without delay.
How Are Congenital Heart Diseases Diagnosed?
The diagnosis process is carried out through physical examination and advanced tests.
- EKG (Electrocardiography): Evaluates the heart rhythm.
- Echocardiography: Reveals structural abnormalities of the heart.
- Radiological Imaging: Heart films are used to examine the vascular structure.
- Cardiac Catheterization: Used for detailed examinations.
These tests determine the type and severity of the disease.
How is it Treated?
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease.
- Medical Treatment: Medication is used in mild cases.
- Interventional Methods: Some abnormalities are corrected with angiography and catheter procedures.
- Surgical Operation: Surgical intervention is required in very serious cases.
- Heart Transplant: It is performed in cases that do not respond to treatment.
Thanks to advancing technology, the success rate of surgeries is increasing.
What Should Individuals with Congenital Heart Disease Pay Attention to?
Individuals with this disease need to pay attention to their lifestyle.
- Regular Checkups: They should go for regular doctor checkups for heart health. Cardiologists should monitor the progression of the disease and make plans for the necessary treatment.
- Medication Use: Medications prescribed by a physician should be taken regularly. Drug therapy generally aims to improve heart function or alleviate symptoms.
- Physical Activity: Physical activity is important for heart health, but excessive exercise should be avoided. An exercise program appropriate for each individual's heart capacity should be determined. For this reason, appropriate activities should be performed with the advice of a physician.
- Diet and Nutrition: Individuals with heart disease should eat a balanced and healthy diet. In particular, salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake should be limited; fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats should be preferred.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking negatively affects heart health. Therefore, it is very important not to smoke. Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided altogether.
- Preparation for Emergencies: A plan should be prepared for what to do in an emergency, and those close to you should be informed.