occurs in the structure of the heart and great vessels. This can lead to a number of problems, including changes in blood flow, underdeveloped heart valves,
.
Babies born with CHD often have shortness of breath, poor weight gain, poor blood circulation, easy fatigue. The cause of congenital heart defects is still unknown, but research suggests that CHD is hereditary or related to an inherited condition.
Smoking while pregnant, premature birthand mothers with chronic health problems that increase the risk of CHD.
There are several types of CHD. Popular types include
Some defects are milder than others. Mild heart defects may not require treatment. However, complex heart defects may require open heart surgery and sometimes more than one surgery, or one heart transplant.
There is no cure for CHD. However, treatment can improve a child’s quality of life and extend years of life.
How to observe?
Health organizations organize many events during the day. These events include charity races, heart walks, symposiums, and informational presentations. Participation:
- If you were born with CHD, or have a child with CHD, share your story.
- Donate to a heart organization that supports CHD research.
- Wear red and blue CHD recognition ribbons.
- Support the campaign by sharing the facts on social media with #CongenitalHeartDefectAwarenessWeek or #CHDAwarenessWeek.
Truth
- CHDs affect nearly 1% or about 40,000 births each year in the United States.
- The most common type of heart defect is a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
- About 1 in 4 children with CHD have a critical CHD that requires surgery during their first year of life.
- CHDs are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants from birth defects.
- Survival of infants with CHDs depends on severity, timing of diagnosis, and treatment.
- About 95% of infants with non-critical CHD survive to age 18.
- About 69% of babies born with critical CHDs survive to age 18.
- About 4 out of 10 adults with a heart defect have a disability, with cognitive disability. (difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions) is more common.
- At least 15% of CHD is related to genetic conditions.
- Children with CHD are 50% more likely to receive special education services than children without birth defects.
Presenter:
- Congenital Heart Anomalies Data and Statistics – (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/data.html)
- Congenital heart defects – (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects)
- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day – (http://www.chdinfo.com/chdaware.php)
Source: Medindia
