A.E.P.C

Understanding Congenital Heart Disease in Children

Pediatric cardiology research has shown that the number one reason why babies die in the first year of life is congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease takes more lives than cancer for children. Congenital heart disease affects about 35,000 of newborn babies every year. These babies are born with structural problems with the heart such as holes or missing chambers or valves. The severity varies with each case. Typically, congenital heart disease is genetic so it is not preventable as with other heart conditions.  Only, the local pediatric cardiology hospital at your hospital can fix it.

Less severe cases of congenital heart disease do not require much care from pediatric cardiologist. Cases like these are usually minor holes in the heart that do not cause major impairment to the hearts functioning. Pediatric cardiology research has shown the holes typically close up as the child grows. More severe cases require highly specialized from pediatric cardiologist. Cases like these typically involve high levels of surgery to repair damaged valves and chambers. Untreated cases of severe cases of congenital heart disease cause about 90% of the new burns who have it to pass away within the first year of life.

Being cognizant of the symptoms of congenital heart disease are important. If the newborn has any difficulty breathing or turns blue, this is a sign that the child may have congenital heart disease. Getting the newborn checked out immediately will help pediatric cardiologist treat the child.