Congenital heart defects, meaning cardiac issues that are present from birth, can cause a range of health problems. In some children, these defects can lead to congestive heart failure, which can be life-threatening. Learning that your baby is experiencing an issue with the function of their heart is upsetting, but prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent heart defects from causing major complications.
Doctors can identify congenital heart defects in babies using EKGs/ECGs, echocardiograms, heart MRIs, and pulse oximetry. From there, medication and surgery may be used to manage the condition. When heart dysfunction is severe, your doctor may discuss a heart transplant.
Some children with congenital heart defects must be carefully monitored when it comes to physical activity due to concerns about cardiac strain. If there is an increased risk of infections within the heart, your child’s doctor may prescribe preventative antibiotics.
You cannot necessarily prevent your baby from being born with a heart defect, but you can take steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy:
In general, a healthy lifestyle reduces the chance of complications, both for yourself and your baby.