Conditions That Contribute To The Development Of Congenital Heart Disease

Author: Joann Cheong

The term "congenital" means inborn or present at birth. So it's understandable that congenital heart disease is a health problem that is present since birth. You may often hear the terms congenital heart defect or congenital cardiovascular disease, but all means the same : a serious health problem that affects thousands of newborns worldwide.

Such disease is said to be present in about one percent of the total live births. It is manifested by a structural defect in the heart and happens when the heart does not develop normally prior to birth. The defects may occur in the heart walls, valves, veins and arteries near the organ. It becomes severe when it starts to disrupt or block the normal flow of the blood and oxygen to the heart, causing the heart to weaken and the heart muscles to die with lack of oxygen.

Doctors found no concrete evidence to show the real cause of congenital heart disease. However, there are certain conditions that may contribute to the development. These include:

• Diabetic mother
• History of the disease in the family
• German measles
• Toxoplasmosis, which is an infection that is transmitted through contact with cat feces
• HIV infection in the mother
• Use of alcohol during pregnancy
• Intake of cocaine and other drugs during pregnancy
• Use of certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs during pregnancy

It is worth noting that although one or more of these condition sare present prior to birth, it doesn't mean that the baby will be born with a congenital heart disease. In the same way, several studies have noted that babies can be born with certain heart defects even if none of the mentioned conditions are present. If this is really the case, then it could be rare for families to exactly identify if their babies will be born with or without such disease. This also means that families can't do anything to prevent their babies from developing such condition. But still, there's nothing wrong from avoiding such contributing factors of congenital heart defects. Mothers should still avoid drugs, alcohol and exposure to the German measles and some environmental toxins, not just for the unborn she is carrying, but also for herself.

Today, the disease is identified in a number of types, and much to your surprise, more than one heart defect may be present at the same time. Among the most common and most treated types of defects are atrial septal defect (ASD), pulmonary stenosis, Ebstein's anomaly, aortic stenosis, ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and a lot more. Note that each of these types are treated individually, depending on the type and severity of the case.

congenital heart defects,heart diseases

Heart Disease Facts

Author: Ray Kelly

It is estimated that approximately 7% of the population has some form of heart disease or damage to their heart. Most people associate heart disease with arteriosclerosis, which leads to heart attacks. However, there are other forms of heart disease, which are just as deadly. Knowing the facts about arteriosclerosis as well as the other primary forms of heart disease can enable you to recognize the symptoms both in yourself and loved ones. And early recognition is one of the most important factors in surviving heart disease.

Arteriosclerosis is the most common type of heart disease. This disease is characterized by a hardening of the arteries, including the coronary arteries, which surround and nourish the heart. Many believe that this process begins early in life. It is so common that it is found present in over half of Americans at death. Though the exact process is unknown, it is understood that the build up of plaque in blood vessels eventually causes the arteries to harden. Thus, the plaque seems to be the precipitating factor. Luckily, this can be controlled through a proper diet and regularly exercise. Eventually the build up is enough that the blood flow becomes seriously constricted. When this happens, the result may be a myocardial infarction, which we commonly call a heart attack. Another possible result of this same problem is when the fatty deposits form a clot that eventually cuts off the blood supply to the heart or some other vital part of the body. These two possibilities amount to the most frequent cause of death for the average American.

Cardiomyopathy is the next most common form of heart disease. This disease takes the form of impaired function of the heart itself. What has happened is that somehow the heart has been damaged and weakened to such an extent that the pumping actionis impaired and in the process of compensating the muscle grows larger and larger. As the damage increases the danger of clotting and cardiac arrhythmia increases as well.

Cardiomyopathy often results in damage to the heart's electrical system and is the primary factor in later developing arrhythmias. Many patients with Cardiomyopathy are the prime candidates for heart transplants, which has a chance of saving their lives.

The final form of heart disease is when damage takes place on or near the heart valves themselves. This damage is usually a result of a congenital defect or an infection. Often it is a strep throat infection, which untreated, leads to rheumatic fever and eventually direct damage to the heart valves. Rheumatic fever has been well controlled in the United States

but it is still responsible for approximately 7000 deaths per year. As far as congenital defects, it is estimated that only a portion of the 25,000 babies born yearly with heart defects have damage to the heart valves. One known cause is when the mother contracts German measles during late term pregnancy.

Regardless of the type of heart problem encountered it is

helpful to know the common warning signs for a heart attack.

They are:

• A feeling of pain or slight pressure to the chest or a crushing sensation behind the breastbone. This may radiate to the shoulder, arm or legs.
• The feeling usually lasts for alength of time.
• OTC medication or rest does not reduce the pain though it will respond to a narcotic drug. - The face often turns ashen gray and a cold sweat develops. Often this is accompanied by nausea and shortness of breath. - Retching, belching or vomiting may occur which is often confused with indigestion.

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms get to a doctor !

Tags :Congenital Heart Defects,Heart Diseases