Children: matters of the heart

About 35,000 infants (1 out of every 125) are born with heart defects each year in the United States. The defect may be so slight that the baby appears healthy for many years after birth, or so severe that the child’s life is in immediate danger.

Heart defects are among the most common birth defects and are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths. However, advances in diagnosis and surgical treatment have led to dramatic increases in survival for children. In the United States about 1.4 million children and adults live with congenital heart defects. Almost all are able to lead active, productive lives.

A baby’s heart begins to develop shortly after conception. During development, structural defects can occur. These defects can involve the walls of the heart, the valves  and the arteries and veins near the heart. Congenital heart defects can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart, causing it to slow down, flow in the wrong direction or be blocked completely.

Treatment can include medicines, surgery and other medical procedures, depending on the type and severity of the defect and a child’s age, size and general health.

Treatment helps most children live fairly normal lives. Your child may need medicines to help with symptoms, heart catheterization to find out details about the defect or surgery to repair the structural defect.

Until your child has surgery, you may need to focus on making sure he/she has enough nutrients, is given medicine properly and to see that other special precautions are taken.

Some congenital heart defects can be completely repaired with one surgery. More complex defects often require several surgeries over the years. Knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead. If your child is older, talking to him or her about what to expect may be helpful.

With most congenital heart defects, the child’s heart will not be completely normal even after surgery. Medicines and trips to the cardiologist may be needed throughout life.

It can be hard to accept that your child has a heart defect, so make sure you take time to adjust to these challenges.

If your baby is born with a severe defect, be assured that there is a good chance that he or she will survive with treatment.

Talk with your doctor about local resources and organizations that can help manage the emotional and practical struggles. It may help to talk with other parents who have had children with congenital heart disease.

Also check with the U.S. National Library of Medicine for more information www.nlmnih.gov. This information surely will help with your future decisions concerning your child’s health.