Prevent Congenital Heart Disease in Children

The cause of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children is not known with certainty. However, there are several risk factors that can be avoided during pregnancy to prevent children from being born with CHD. there are risk factorsPJBchild during the mother's pregnancy, but that does not mean that the relationship is causal. There are so many risk factors, but there are at least three factors that have been extensively discussed in recent literature. If the cause is unknown, but risk factors exist, for example rubella infection, folic acid deficiency, andpregnant mothertaking drugs such as for seizures.

These three factors can cause interference with the process of fetal formation. Previously, it was known that smoking mothers and drinking alcohol were included as risk factors for babies born with CHD. However, it turns out that there are many cases of mothers who don't smoke also give birth to children with CHD. The way to prevent it is by not missing the rubella vaccine. The goal is that during pregnancy, the mother does not get any infection. It is also important for mothers to consume nutritious food and folic acid supplements during pregnancy.

CHD is the second largest contributor (17 percent) after prematurity as a cause of death in the neonatal period, according to data in Indonesia in 2017. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 100 newborns suffers from CHD with 25 percent of them being critical CHD or two to four per 1,000 live births.

For children who have symptoms, an echocardiography examination can be done. Currently, oximetry can be said to be sensitive, faster, and cheaper by placing it on the right hand and left leg.

Delay in diagnosis is still a problem in Indonesia. The simplest examination can be through an oximeter, or with a stethoscope, if a murmur is heard, then you should think about having your heart checked.

Clinical symptoms of CHD include slow weight gain. Critical CHD can be found in the first week of age, 24-48 hours.

Get checked out immediatelydoctorpediatric cardiac consultant pediatrician at RSU Hermina Medan if you or your child experience symptoms of congenital heart disease as previously mentioned. Early treatment needs to be done immediately to prevent more serious conditions.

If you have ever been sentenced to have congenital heart disease, take control periodically to the doctor to monitor the progress of the disease.

The risk of a baby suffering from congenital heart disease will be higher in pregnant women who suffer from diabetes or have a family history of genetic diseases. If you are or have suffered from this condition, consult your doctor regarding the possibility of passing on congenital heart disease to your baby.

Immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room if you or your child has difficulty breathing, your skin and lips appear blue, or you experience swelling in your legs or other body parts.