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Having another child with Congenital Heart Disease is a tough decision for many parents. But you can take steps to improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
Genetic Predisposition
Almost one percent of the human population is born with a genetic predisposition to congenital heart disease. It is a significant cause of heart complications in babies. Some breeds are more likely to have this problem than others.
The causes of congenital heart disease are not known. Most heart problems are caused by genetic predisposition and environmental factors. These factors include maternal obesity, alcohol intake during pregnancy, and pre-gestational diabetes.
A recent study analyzed exomes from almost 1,900 congenital heart disease patients. The researchers found common genetic risk variants for several congenital heart defects. They called for more studies of these genes.
One of the most common congenital heart defects is patent ductus arteriosus. A Labrador retriever may be predisposed to the defect, as are Collies, Poodles, and Chihuahuas.
But there are also some positive sides for people who have congenital heart disease which you can definitely conquer, in Conquering CHD it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and manage any underlying medical conditions.
Tests Before Conception
There are many reasons why women with congenital heart disease may need special care during pregnancy. Among the most common are heart failure, tachyarrhythmias, and complications from surgical interventions. Whether you are considering getting pregnant or already are, you might want to consider some tests before conception.
The best way to deal with these medical issues is to get advice from a top-notch OB-GYN. These specialists have the training and experience to help you determine whether or not you can have a healthy pregnancy. Among the tests before conception, consider ultrasound, exercise stress tests, and echocardiograms.
You may also want to consult a cardiologist, an OB-GYN specializing in high-risk pregnancies, or a genetic counselor. The best way to determine whether or not you should pursue pregnancy is to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Chromosome Analysis
Using chromosome analysis for congenital heart disease is essential to detect genetic abnormalities. The results may be relevant to the disease’s etiology or the treatment options available.
Fetal chromosomal analysis is also essential in detecting extracardiac defects. These can be related to the genetic cause of the disease and can be repaired with surgery after birth. In addition, it can provide vital information for the parents.
A study by Zyblewski et al. investigated chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with CHD. Fetuses were evaluated by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) using the Affymetrix CytoScan HD platform. In addition, fetal samples were obtained from umbilical cord blood. A total of 367 neonates with CHD were evaluated. Of these, 135 (36.7%) had anomalous chromosomal microarray results.
The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. This is the largest specialist hospital in North China.
Surgery for Babies With HLHS
Almost one in every four babies born in the United States has a congenital heart defect. Some of these defects are minor and don’t require surgery, but other children have severe congenital heart problems that require treatment. Some heart defects will require surgery before birth, while others may require several years of follow-up surgery. Some heart defects may also require a heart transplant.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a heart defect that causes a baby to have an underdeveloped left side of the heart. The left side of the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body. This causes bluish skin and breathing difficulties. It’s a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Children with HLHS are typically placed on a ventilator to help them breathe. They may also be put on oxygen. They may also need regular visits with a cardiologist. Some children with HLHS will require a heart transplant to survive.
Symptoms
Symptoms of congenital heart disease vary greatly, depending on the type of defect. It can range from mild conditions needing no treatment to serious problems requiring surgery. Whether the pain is severe or soft, it is essential to understand the symptoms so that you can seek medical help if needed.
When you go to the doctor’s office, they will ask about your symptoms. They may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and a reduced ability to exercise. The healthcare provider will also check your heart with a stethoscope. If the doctor determines that you have congenital heart disease, you may be prescribed medications. You will also need to follow any prescribed lifestyle changes.
Congenital heart disease is one of the most common congenital disabilities and affects approximately 1 in every 100 babies. Treatments for congenital heart disease have improved dramatically over the last few decades.
