Essay On Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease is a problem with the structure of the heart. It is present at birth. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect. The defects can involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart, and the arteries and the veins near the heart. They can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart. The blood flow can slow down, go in the wrong direction or to the wrong place, or be blocked completely. The sign and symptoms of severe defects in newborns include: rapid breathing, cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails), fatigue and poor blood circulation. Although, many congenital heart defects have few to no signs and symptoms, they are not diagnosed until the child is older. Many don’t need treatment but some do. Treatments include: medicine, catheter procedures, surgery, and heart transplants. However, treatment depends on the defect, severity, age, size, and overall general health. On March 14, 2008, I gave birth to my first child, a

However, there are many ways to help reduce the risk during pregnancy: ensure vaccination against rubella and flu, take 400mg of folic acid during your first trimester, check with the doctor or pharmacist before taking over the counter medication, avoid people who are known to have infection, if you are diabetic make sure it’s under control and avoid exposure to chemicals. If you have a family history of congenital heart disease asks for genetic screening. The number of children surviving congenital heart disease has increased over the years because of the advances in early diagnosis, treatment and care. This disease is serious and a lifelong condition that should not be dismissed as routine. It’s not about surviving the conditions, so that the child, and the family, can lead a normal