Congenital Heart Disease In Children: What Are The Risk Factors?

While heart disease is prevalent among older adults, children as young as infants can also develop the condition at birth, also known as Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). 

In general, an estimated 2.4 lakh newborns worldwide die within 28 days of birth every year due to congenital disorders, says the World Health Organization (WHO), adding that an additional 1.7 lakh deaths of children occur between the ages one month and five years. The Indian Pediatrics reports CHD is the most frequently occurring congenital disorder, responsible for 28% of all congenital birth defects. 

To reduce the risk of CHD, it is important to assess the risk factors and understand how they can be managed. We spoke to Dr Prashant Prakashrao Patil, Senior Consultant Interventional Pediatric Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, who shed light on the same. 

What Is Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)?

“CHD is a term used to describe a range of birth defects that affect the structure and function of the heart,” explained Dr Patil, adding, “These defects are present at birth and can vary in severity, from minor issues that may not require treatment to more complex and life-threatening conditions.”

More than two lakh children are estimated to be born with CHD in India every year, according to the Indian Pediatrics. Of the total number, about one-fifth are likely to have serious defects, requiring an intervention in the first year of life, the healthy body shares.  

Risk Factors Of CHD

While there is no specific cause of CHD, some of the factors that contribute to the risk include: 

Genetic factors: CHD can be caused by genetic mutations or abnormalities that occur during foetal development. If there is a family history of CHD, the risk may be higher.

Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors during pregnancy, such as maternal smoking, alcohol consumption, or infections, can increase the risk of CHD.

Chromosomal abnormalities: Some chromosomal disorders, like Down syndrome, are associated with a higher risk of CHD.

Maternal health: Poor maternal nutrition, diabetes, and obesity during pregnancy can also be risk factors.

How To Reduce The Risk In Kids

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, if a person is at a high risk for having a baby with a congenital heart defect, screening before the baby is born is a crucial step to prevent the condition. The screening can be done with an echocardiography or echo, a painless test that uses sound waves to form moving pictures of the heart.

Although there is no way to always prevent a CHD, a few measures can still reduce the risk:

• Early and regular prenatal care is crucial to monitor the development of the foetus and detect potential issues early on.
• Pregnant women should avoid smoking, alcohol, and exposure to harmful substances.
• If a woman has a chronic health condition like diabetes, it's important to manage it effectively during pregnancy.
• If there is a family history of CHD or if a previous child had CHD, genetic counselling may be recommended to assess the risk and provide guidance.

Supporting Kids With Congenital Heart Disease

While children with CHD are extremely resilient, they may require additional care and support. 

A 2014 study published in the Journal Circulation suggests that CHD can cause changes to blood flow to the brain before and after birth, which might in turn affect brain development in children. 

Some of the type of support that children with CHD will require include:

Medical care: Children with CHD require specialised medical care and often undergo surgeries or other interventions. Paediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons play a critical role in their treatment.

Emotional support: A child with CHD and their family may experience emotional challenges. Connecting with support groups or mental health professionals can be helpful.

Educational support: Children with CHD may have educational needs due to their health condition. Working with schools to provide appropriate accommodations is essential.

Dr Patil said, “Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare team are crucial to monitor the child's heart condition and adjust treatment as needed,” adding that supporting organisations dedicated to CHD research and advocacy can also help raise awareness and contribute to improving care and outcomes.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/risk-factors-of-congenital-heart-disease-in-children-1699522786