If your baby has been diagnosed with congenital heart disease (janmjaat dil ki bimari), you are not alone - it affects about 1 in 100 babies worldwide! While this diagnosis is frightening, modern medicine has made tremendous progress. Many children with heart defects grow up to lead normal, healthy lives with proper treatment. Early diagnosis and care make all the difference.
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What is it?
How Common?
| Type | What It Is | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| **VSD** (Ventricular Septal Defect) | Hole between lower chambers | Often mild, may close on its own |
| **ASD** (Atrial Septal Defect) | Hole between upper chambers | Usually mild to moderate |
| **PDA** (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) | Blood vessel stays open | Common in preemies, often closes |
| **Tetralogy of Fallot** | Four combined defects | Requires surgery but good outcomes |
| **Transposition of Great Arteries** | Main arteries switched | Needs early surgery, good outcomes |
| **Coarctation of Aorta** | Narrowing of main artery | Treatable with surgery/procedures |
Usually Unknown:
Most cases have no identifiable cause. It's NOT caused by:
Known Risk Factors:
In Newborns:
In Infants and Older Children:
Call doctor immediately if:
Schedule appointment if:
How CHD is Detected:
| Test | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Prenatal ultrasound | Can detect some defects before birth |
| Pulse oximetry (newborn screening) | Detects low oxygen levels |
| Echocardiogram | Detailed heart images - main diagnostic tool |
| ECG | Heart's electrical activity |
| Chest X-ray | Heart size and shape |
| Cardiac catheterization | Detailed measurements if needed |
In India:
Depends on Severity:
| Severity | Approach |
|---|---|
| Mild defects | May just need monitoring, often close on own |
| Moderate | May need medications, procedures, or surgery |
| Severe | Often need surgery in infancy |
Types of Treatment:
Where to Seek Care:
Financial Assistance:
Daily Care:
Feeding Tips:
Emotional Support:
Good News:
What to Expect:
A: Yes! Many children with heart defects grow up to live completely normal lives. With modern treatment, even complex defects can be corrected. The key is early diagnosis, proper treatment, and regular follow-up. Children with corrected CHD can go to school, play sports (as advised), and do most things other children do.
A: Pediatric heart surgery has become very safe with experienced teams. Success rates for many common procedures exceed 95%. The risks depend on the specific defect and your baby's overall condition. Your surgeon will explain the risks and benefits specific to your child's case. Many parents are amazed at how well babies recover from heart surgery.
A: Most CHD cases (80-85%) are NOT strongly genetic and occur sporadically. If one child has CHD, the chance of another affected child is slightly higher (about 2-3%) but still most siblings will be healthy. If there's a known genetic condition or syndrome, risks may be higher. Genetic counseling can provide specific risk assessment for your family.
A: Babies with CHD often tire easily during feeding. Tips: Feed more frequently in smaller amounts. Allow rest during feeds. Breast milk is beneficial if possible. Some babies need fortified milk for extra calories. Watch for signs of fatigue (sweating, breathing hard). A feeding therapist or nutritionist can help if your baby is struggling to gain weight.
A: This depends on the specific defect and whether it's been repaired. Many children with corrected CHD can participate in sports and physical activities. Some may have restrictions on competitive or high-intensity sports. Your cardiologist will advise what's safe for your child. Even if some activities are limited, most children can still be active and healthy.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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