It is important to know the causes of congenital heart disease in babies

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a condition that occurs due to abnormalities in the structure of the baby's heart that have been present since birth. This disorder can affect the heart walls, valves, or blood vessels that enter and leave the heart. Congenital heart disease is one of the most common congenital abnormalities in babies.

The exact cause of congenital heart disease is not yet fully known, but several factors are known to increase the risk of this condition, including:

• Genetics: A family history of congenital heart disease increases the risk of similar abnormalities in the baby.
• Infections During Pregnancy: Certain infections, such as rubella (German measles), that occur in pregnant women can cause heart defects in the baby.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to harmful substances such as alcohol, certain medications, and toxic chemicals during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital heart disease.
• Maternal Medical Conditions: Some maternal medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, may also contribute to the development of congenital heart disease in the baby.

Symptoms of congenital heart disease in babies can vary depending on the type and severity of the abnormality experienced. Some common symptoms that may appear include:

1. Shortness of Breath: The baby may have difficulty breathing or appear to be breathing rapidly.
2. Bluish Skin (Cyanosis): The baby's skin, especially around the lips and nails, may appear bluish due to lack of oxygen.
3. Difficulty Feeding: The baby may have trouble eating or show signs of tiredness while feeding.
4. Not Gaining Weight: Babies may have difficulty gaining weight according to age.
5. Swelling: Swelling of the legs, stomach, or area around the eyes.

Treatment for congenital heart disease depends on the type and severity of the abnormality experienced. Some common treatment methods include:

1. Routine Monitoring: Some mild congenital heart defects may only require routine monitoring by a doctor without the need for special medical treatment.
2. Medicines: Some babies may need medicines to help improve heart function and control symptoms.
3. Catheterization Procedure: This procedure can be used to repair some types of heart defects without the need for open surgery.
4. Heart Surgery: Some babies may require heart surgery to correct structural abnormalities in the heart.
5. Heart Transplant: In very severe cases, a heart transplant may be necessary.

Although not all cases of congenital heart disease can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

1. Good Prenatal Care: Following good, regular prenatal care during pregnancy can help detect and treat potential health problems early.
2. Avoid Exposure to Harmful Substances: Avoid exposure to alcohol, illegal drugs, and toxic chemicals during pregnancy.
3. Vaccinations: Make sure pregnant women get the necessary vaccinations to prevent infections that can affect the baby's heart development.
4. Chronic Disease Control: If the pregnant woman has a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, it is important to control the condition well during pregnancy.

Congenital heart disease in babies is a serious condition that requires special medical attention. With early detection and appropriate treatment, many babies with congenital heart disease can live healthy and active lives. Parents and prospective parents need to understand the risks and symptoms of this disease and maintain health during pregnancy to reduce the risk of heart defects in the baby. For consultations at Hermina Purwokerto Hospital, there are pediatric specialists.

 Access to registration can be done in the following 4 ways:
1. Download the mobile application on Playstore (Type Hello Hermina)
2. Call Call Center 1500488
3. Via website -> www.herminahospitals.com
4. Via the Halodoc application

Reference :

1. American Heart Association (AHA) - "Congenital Heart Defects in Children" Link: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects#:~:text=About%20Congenital%20Heart%20Defects,prove%20dangerous%20or%20even%20deadly.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - "Facts About Congenital Heart Defects" Link: https://www.cdc.gov/heart-defects/about/five-things.html

3. Mayo Clinic - "Congenital Heart Disease in Children" Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/congenital-heart-defects-children/symptoms-causes/syc-20350074#:~:text=Congenital%20heart%20disease%2C%20also%20called,year%20have%20a%20heart%20defect.

4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) - "What Is Congenital Heart Defect?" Link: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/congenital-heart-defects#:~:text=Congenital%20heart%20defects%2C%20or%20diseases,births%20in%20the%20United%20States.

5. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) - "Congenital Heart Disease: Overview" Link: https://scts.org/patients/congenital/overview.aspx#:~:text=Abnormal%20blood%20vessels,connect%20to%20the%20heart%20correctly.

6. Johns Hopkins Medicine - "Congenital Heart Disease in Children" Link: https://medicine-matters.blogs.hopkinsmedicine.org/2022/02/long-term-risk-of-hypertension-after-surgical-repair-of-congenital-heart-disease-in-children/

7. World Health Organization (WHO) - "Congenital Anomalies" Link: https://www.who.int/teams/maternal-newborn-child-adolescent-health-and-ageing/newborn-health/congenital-conditions#:~:text=Congenital%20conditions%20can%20be%20defined,cases%20only%20in%20later%20infancy.