Causes of Congenital Heart Disease

Why Are Babies Born With Heart Disease?

The main reason why babies are born with heart disease is the problems experienced during heart development in the womb. Genetic reasons and environmental factors can negatively affect the heart development of the unborn baby. The first 8 weeks of pregnancy are an important period in the formation of the cardiovascular structure.

The most common congenital heart diseases; It can be classified as problems in the heart vessels, such as holes between the atria or between the ventricles, reverse positioning of the heart chambers, stenosis or insufficiency in the heart valves, and reverse protrusion of the main vessels in the heart. In addition, conditions such as tetralogy of Fallot where different heart diseases occur together are also encountered.

What are Congenital Heart Defects?

Congenital heart disorders are divided into three groups: rheumatic heart disorders, rhythm and electrical conduction disorders.

The incidence of congenital heart defects is very low. The most common type of disease in this area is ASD (Atrial Septal Defect).

Causes of Congenital Heart Disease 

Risk factors affecting the occurrence of congenital heart diseases are:

• Genetic causes, such as congenital heart disease in parents or relatives
• Presence of some systemic diseases such as diabetes in the mother
• Drug use during pregnancy
• Alcohol use during pregnancy
• Smoking during pregnancy
• Maternal exposure to radiation

Heart anomalies detected before the baby is born should be closely monitored, and preparations and planning should be made to intervene immediately after birth when necessary. In addition, heart diseases detected after birth can be successfully treated with surgical interventions performed at the appropriate time. It is beneficial for women with congenital heart disease to have cardiology check-ups, especially before pregnancy.

What is Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

It is the hole in the ears located inside the heart. It is a type of congenital disease. There are no heart holes in healthy babies. The hole in the heart may or may not close over time. Although the cause of the disease is not fully known, environmental and genetic factors are important for the disease.

What are the symptoms of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)?

Although newborn babies do not show any symptoms, a sound called 'murmur' can be heard during heart examination. In later ages, when congenital heart disease is examined according to the complaints of the patients, the disease can be diagnosed by chest X-ray or echocardiography taken during the check-up.

Some symptoms;

Palpitation,

Fainting,

migraine attacks,

Feeling of exhaustion, getting tired easily

Symptoms such as swelling in the abdomen, feet and legs may be observed.