A child Heart disease specialist, or pediatric cardiologist, focuses on diagnosing and treating heart conditions in children. They provide specialised care, using advanced techniques to manage congenital and acquired Heart diseases, ensuring the healthy development of young hearts. Read more on the website.
The cause of congenital heart disease is still unknown. However, there are studies that show a link between congenital heart disease and: smoking while pregnant, obesity while pregnant, and some drugs including Wellbutrin (an antidepressant). A history of heart disease in your family can also be a factor. Follow your obstetrician's advice for a healthy pregnancy. This will increase your chances for a healthy baby. However, not all causes of heart disease are known. Your baby might still be born with a heart defect. Ask for a (completely painless) pulse/ox test before your baby leaves the hospital. Detecting congenital heart defects before checking out of the hospital saves lives.
A cardiac catheterization may be needed to diagnose or treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, or congenital heart defects. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal test results may also indicate the need for a cardiac catheterization.
To detect heart disease, you should see your doctor who can perform an EKG test. An EKG test can test the electrical currents to your heart to assess if they are performing properly.
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. It helps evaluate the size, shape, and motion of the heart, as well as assess blood flow and valve function. This test is commonly used to diagnose various heart conditions, including heart disease, valve disorders, and congenital heart defects. It is typically performed in a hospital or clinical setting and carries no radiation risk.
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An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It helps evaluate the heart's structure, function, and blood flow. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as heart valve disorders, heart failure, and congenital heart defects.
Doctors can conduct all sorts of tests to diagnosis heart disease. They typically do a blood test, an echocardiography, and a cardiac catherization.
What is Echocardiography?Echocardiography, also called an echo test,is a test that takes "moving pictures" of theheart with sound waves. You don't have tostay in the hospital; it's not surgery anddoesn't hurt.This test is done to help your doctor find outif you have problems with your heart or withhow it's working.This test may be needed if…• You have a heart murmur.• You've had a heart attack.• You have unexplained chest pains.• You've had rheumatic fever.• You have a congenital heart defect.
A homocysteine blood test measures the level of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that plays a role in heart health, and high levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The test can help assess your risk for heart disease and may be recommended for certain individuals with a family history of heart problems.
This test may be done on a person who recently had trauma to the heart, such as heart surgery or a myocardial infarction (heart attack ). It also may be done on someone with heart disease, such as cardiomyopathy or rheumatic fever.
DefinitionCongenital heart disease refers to a problem with the heart's structure and function due to abnormal heart development before birth. Congenital means present at birth.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCongenital heart disease (CHD) can describe a number of different problems affecting the heart. It is the most common type of birth defect. Congenital heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defects. Many of these defects need to be followed carefully. Some heal over time, others will require treatment.Congenital heart disease is often divided into two types: cyanotic (blue discoloration caused by a relative lack of oxygen) and non-cyanotic. The following lists cover the most common of the congenital heart diseases:Cyanotic:Tetralogy of FallotTransposition of the great vesselsTricuspid atresiaTotal anomalous pulmonary venous returnTruncus arteriosusHypoplastic left heartPulmonary atresiaSome forms of total anomalous pulmonary venous returnEbstein's anomalyNon-cyanotic:Ventricular septal defect (VSD)Atrial septal defect (ASD)Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)Aortic stenosisPulmonic stenosisCoarctation of the aortaAtrioventricular canal (endocardial cushion defect)These problems may occur alone or together. The majority of congenital heart diseases occurs as an isolated defect and is not associated with other diseases. However, they can also be a part of various genetic and chromosomal syndromes such as Down syndrome, trisomy 13, Turner syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and DiGeorge syndrome.No known cause can be identified for most congenital heart defects. Congenital heart diseases continue to be investigated and researched. Drugs such as retinoic acid for acne, chemicals, alcohol, and infections (such as rubella) during pregnancy can contribute to some congenital heart problems.SymptomsSymptoms depend on the specific condition. While congenital heart disease is present at birth, the symptoms may not be immediately obvious. Defects such as coarctation of the aortamay not cause problems for many years. Other problems, such as a small ventricular septal defect (VSD), may never cause any problems, and some people with a VSD have normal physical activity and a normal life span.Signs and testsDiagnostic tests depend on the specific condition.TreatmentTreatment depends on the specific condition. Some congenital heart diseases can be treated with medication alone, while others require one or more surgeries.Expectations (prognosis)How well a patient does depends on the specific defect.ComplicationsComplications depend on the specific condition and treatment.Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you suspect that your child has a heart problem.PreventionAvoid alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy. Doctors should be made aware that a woman is pregnant before prescribing any medications for her. A blood test should be done early in the pregnancy to see if the woman is immune to rubella. If the mother is not immune, she must avoid any possible exposure to rubella and should be immunized immediately following delivery.Poorly controlled blood sugar levels in women who have diabetes during pregnancy are also associated with a high rate of congenital heart defects during pregnancy.Experts believe that some prescription and over-the-counter medications and street drugs used during pregnancy increase the risk of heart defects.There may be some hereditary factors that play a role in congenital heart disease. Genetics does appear to play a role in many diseases, and multiple family members may be affected. Talk to your health care provider about screening.Expectant mothers should receive good prenatal care. Many congenital defects can be discovered on routine ultrasound examinations performed by an obstetrician. The delivery can then be anticipated and the appropriate medical personnel (such as a pediatric cardiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and a neonatologist) can be present, and ready to help as necessary. Such preparation can mean the difference between life and death for some babies.ReferencesZipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2007.