Congenital heart disease is far more widespread than most people realize. The heart is the most significant organ of one’s body; it ensures blood circulation all through the body, without which life would not be possible. Medicine has advanced greatly and, with contemporary technology, almost all heart diseases can be treated successfully if detected in time.

What is Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease, or CHD, is a malformation of the heart or a great blood vessel near the heart. Congenital heart disease is a condition that one is born with and it is one of the the most familiar forms of major birth defects in newborns, affecting approximately 8 of congenital heart disease cases.

This condition is not a issue until after birth, as the blood circulation differs from that ensuing birth. The fetal circulation derives oxygen and nutrients from the mother around the placenta, and the fetal circulation has important communications between the upper heart chambers and the great blood vessels near the heart. As such, most types of congenital heart disease are well tolerated during fetal life.

The Causes of Congenital Heart Disease

This disease can have many different causes like:

Environmental elements such as chemicals or drugs are sometimes to blame. For example, if a mother-to-be catches measles or rubella during pregnancy, the infection can impair the perfection of the unborn baby’s heart or other organs. Similar effects can be observed if the mother-to-be consumes alcohol during pregnancy.

Maternal diseases for the mother can also increase the risks of developing congenital heart disease in the unborn baby.

Chromosome abnormalities - A typical chromosome abnormality causing congenital heart disease is Down’s syndrome where an extra #21 chromosome is present. About 50% of children with Down’s syndrome also carry CHD.

Treating Congenital Heart Disease

The treatment depends from patient to patient owing to the huge difference in occurrence from case to case. Everything needs to be taken into consideration to allow for an effective treatment program. A treatment program can only be determined after correct diagnosis from a specialist. While eating healthy and exercising usually helps, congenital heart disease is a unique case which needs to follow strict gp’s instructions; no self medication or treatment is advised.

Knowledge and guidelines are available both online and in the medical practitioner’s office to help one educate themselves to deal better with congenital heart disease.