HOW DOES CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE AFFECT THE CHILD?

Congenital heart disease refers to heart defects which are present at birth. It occurs as a result of structural problems in the heart that are formed during the development process of the cardiovascular system.

Many cases of congenital heart disease do not affect the patient in an adverse way. In fact, many babies with CBD grow into adulthood without experiencing any major symptoms.

However, in some cases, congenital heart disease can present a number of symptoms. This may require treatment and sometimes even surgery. A pediatric cardiologist in Dubai can determine the type of CBD that your infant has and prescribe the right mode of treatment.

What Causes Congenital Heart Disease?

The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart, valves, arteries, and chambers. It works to circulate blood throughout the body. In a healthy heart, blood is pumped through the heart, to the lungs for oxygen, and then throughout the body in a repetitive pattern.

However, when there is a defect or abnormality in the heart, such as holes in the heart, it can affect the way that the cardiovascular system pumps blood throughout the body.

The exact cause of CBD is unknown, although it can often be linked to genetic or environmental factors. Some common causes include:

  • Genetic syndromes such as Down Syndrome
  • Single gene defects
  • Chromosomal disorders
  • Viral infections (e.g. measles or rubella) during the first trimester of pregnancy
  • The use of certain medications, drugs, alcohol, or smoking during pregnancy
  • Developing Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes during pregnancy
  • Micronutrient deficiencies

How Does Congenital Heart Disease Affect the Child?

Congenital Heart Defects can affect your child in different ways. This because every case of CBD differs relative to the size and location of the defect, symptoms it presents, and severity of the condition.

In some cases, CBD may not affect the infant at all. The child may be able to grow up and live a healthy life without any complications. In other cases, a heart murmur may be the only indication of a birth defect and can be controlled through lifestyle changes.

However, in other cases, your child may be affected by congenital heart disease. Often times, newborn babies with CBD have difficulty in feeding and gaining weight. They may become quickly tired after simple activities such as feeding.

Other symptoms of congenial heart disease may include:

  • Excessively rapid heartbeat
  • Increased respiratory rate
  • Poor appetite
  • Greater caloric needs
  • Decreased food intake due to rapid breathing and fatigue
  • Cyanosis (blueish skin caused by lack of oxygenation)
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Poor absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract
  • Decreased oxygen in the blood, called hypoxia

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your child, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Pediatric cardiologists in Dubai are heart doctors who specialize in heart disease in infants and children.

A pediatric cardiologist in Dubai will be able to effectively diagnose CBD and determine the best route of treatment, according to your child’s condition.

Where to Find the Best Cardiologists in Dubai

If your child is suffering from congenital heart disease, or if you suspect that your child may be suffering from an at-birth cardiological defect, then it is important to seek treatment from a pediatric cardiologist right away.

German Heart Center is the leading heart hospital in Dubai. Our panel of specialist heart doctors includes pediatric cardiologists who have expertise in diagnosing and treating heart disease in babies and adolescents.

Book an appointment with one of our pediatric cardiologists at the German Heart Center today for the best diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, and preventative heart care of your child.

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