Nearly 2 Lakh Newborns In India Born With Congenital Heart Defects Each Year: CARE Hospitals

Congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common birth defect in India, affect nearly 1.8 to 2 lakh newborns every year, doctors at CARE Hospitals have warned, underscoring the urgent need for early detection and timely intervention.

As India observes Congenital Heart Awareness Week (February 7–14), specialists highlighted that around 8 out of every 1,000 babies are born with congenital heart disease. With the country recording approximately 2.4–2.5 crore births annually, the burden of undiagnosed heart defects remains a significant public health concern, particularly in smaller towns and semi-urban regions.

Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities present at birth, affecting the heart’s chambers, valves, or major blood vessels. These defects disrupt normal blood flow and, if untreated, can lead to oxygen deficiency, heart failure, delayed growth, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.

“Subtle symptoms such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, bluish discoloration of lips or nails, excessive sweating during feeds, or inadequate weight gain are often dismissed as normal newborn issues,” said Dr. Prashant Prakashrao Patil, Senior Consultant, Interventional Pediatric Cardiologist at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills. “Delayed diagnosis continues to be a major challenge in India, and early recognition of these warning signs can be lifesaving.”

Among the most commonly identified congenital heart defects are septal defects, commonly referred to as “holes in the heart,” including Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). While smaller defects may close naturally over time, larger defects can place strain on the heart and lungs, often requiring medical management or surgical intervention.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical examination and investigations such as pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and echocardiography. In some cases, fetal echocardiography performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy allows for detection even before birth, enabling better planning and early care.

Advances in pediatric cardiac care over the past two decades have significantly improved outcomes. Minimally invasive catheter-based procedures and refined surgical techniques have transformed survival rates, allowing most children with congenital heart disease to lead healthy, active lives.

“Congenital heart disease is no longer a life-limiting condition in most cases,” said Dr. Tapan Kumar Dash, Clinical Director and Head of Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills. “With timely diagnosis, advanced interventions, and multidisciplinary care, children can grow into healthy adults. Early referral remains critical.”

As awareness around congenital heart disease grows, experts reiterate that early detection is key to protecting young lives and securing a healthier future for India’s children.

Reference Link

https://www.bwhealthcareworld.com/article/nearly-2-lakh-newborns-in-india-born-with-congenital-heart-defects-each-year-care-hospitals-593160