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Brilio.net - Congenital heart disease or CHD is a condition that occurs from birth, where there are abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart. This condition can involve various parts of the heart such as valves, blood vessel walls, or other tissue structures that develop abnormally during fetal development in the womb.
Congenital heart disease can vary, from mild to very serious, and symptoms can appear in newborns or not even be detected until adulthood. Reporting from antarnews.com, a specialist in heart and blood vessels at RSJPD Harapan Kita, Dr. Olfi Leyla explained that currently around 40 thousand to 50 thousand babies suffer from congenital heart disease.
In addition, around 25 percent, or 10,000-12,5000 babies have critical congenital heart disease. Not only that, Dr. Olfi also stated that there are a number of risk factors that can cause babies to be born with congenital heart disease, such as genetic factors and use of drugs.
"So, 80 percent of the time we don't know what the cause is. But what we can see is if there is a genetic problem. For example, there are factors why babies can have genetic problems. Are their parents married too closely together, for example? cousin," he explained.
Meanwhile, according to kemkes.go.id, congenital heart disease is the most common cause of death of all congenital disorders. Death occurs in approximately 8 out of 1000 live births. Death occurs in the first 6 months of life, and 80 percent of deaths occur by the age of 1 year.
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that congenital heart disease in babies should be a common concern. Therefore, it is very important for expectant mothers to know more about what CHD is, its causes , symptoms and how to deal with it. Therefore, brilio.net has summarized it from various sources, Thursday (18/7).
Causes of congenital heart disease in babies
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According to mayoclinic.org, the causes of congenital heart disease in babies can vary and often involve complex factors. But in general, after the first six weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heart begins to form and starts beating. The main blood vessels leading to and from the heart also begin to form during this time.
It is at this stage of a baby's development that congenital heart defects begin to develop. Researchers aren't sure what causes most types of congenital heart defects. They suspect changes in genes, certain medications or health conditions, and environmental or lifestyle factors, such as smoking. The other causes of congenital heart disease are as follows:
- Genetic factors.
- The mother suffers from type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes that is not well controlled before and during pregnancy.
- The mother is infected with certain viruses, such as rubella, when the pregnancy enters the first trimester.
- The mother took certain medications without consulting a doctor.
Symptoms of congenital heart disease in babies
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Symptoms of congenital heart disease in babies can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Symptoms of congenital heart disease in babies are generally visible from the time the baby is born. Some of the symptoms commonly seen in newborn babies are:
- Skin, lips and nails are bluish in color.
- Hard to breathe.
- Inhibited weight gain.
Meanwhile, the symptoms of congenital heart disease that can be detected in children when they grow up are as follows:
- Skin, lips and nails are bluish in color.
- Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia abnormalities.
- Hard to breathe.
- Hands and feet experience swelling.
- Get tired easily.
How to treat congenital heart disease in babies
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Congenital heart disease is a serious condition that affects the heart from birth and requires appropriate medical treatment. The following are ways to treat congenital heart disease with medical treatment:
- Electrocardiogram test
An electrocardiogram (ECG) test is a non-invasive medical procedure used to record the electrical activity of the heart.
- Echocardiography test
An echocardiography test is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce a visual image of the structure and function of the heart. During this test, a technician or doctor uses an ultrasonic transducer placed over the chest to send sound waves to the heart. These sound waves are reflected back (echo) and captured by the transducer to create an image called an echocardiogram.
- X-ray
X-rays are a diagnostic technique that uses X-rays to produce internal images of the human body or other objects.
Apart from that, you can prevent congenital heart disease in babies as follows:
- Check your heart condition regularly
Checking your heart condition regularly is an important step to prevent congenital heart disease (CHD) and heart problems that can lurk in your baby.
- Vaccination
Vaccination is a step that can significantly reduce the risk of congenital heart disease (CHD). Recommended vaccinations during pregnancy, such as the rubella (German measles) vaccine, can prevent several types of CHD associated with viral infections during pregnancy.
In addition, routine vaccinations such as the DPT vaccine (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), flu vaccine, and other vaccines recommended by health authorities also help in maintaining general health and preventing diseases that can be risk factors for CHD.
(brl/mal)
