presence Congenital heart defect It is one of the health problems that some people may be born with, and it is a condition that affects the function of the heart from birth. These defects vary in their severity and their impact on the patient’s health. Some of them may be simple and do not require treatment, but there are other types that require medical or surgical intervention. Early detection of a congenital heart defect is important to help better save the condition through periodic follow-up and appropriate treatment within. Al Mousa Health Hospital As one of the most famous hospitals in the Kingdom, people with these conditions can live with the disease and live their lives normally while adhering to medical guidelines.

What are congenital heart defects in children?

The presence of a congenital heart defect in children are heart problems that form during the growth of the fetus in the womb and appear at birth. These defects affect the way the heart works, and may affect the normal pumping of blood to the rest of the body. Congenital heart defects vary in type and severity. Some are simple and do not require treatment, while others may require early medical or surgical intervention. Early diagnosis through medical examinations is important to determine the type of defect and develop an appropriate treatment plan that helps affected children live in better health.

Types of congenital heart defects in children

The problem of congenital heart defect is a general problem, as it is divided into several types in children that differ in severity and impact on heart function, including the following:

 Defects in the heart walls: Such as atrial septal hole and ventricular septal hole, which are abnormal openings between the heart chambers that cause oxygenated blood to mix with deoxygenated blood, which affects the efficiency of blood pumping.

Defects in heart valves: It affects the opening and closing of the valves, and includes pulmonary or aortic valve stenosis, or valve regurgitation, which leads to difficulty or backward blood flow.

Defects in blood vessels: It affects the vessels connected to the heart, such as tetralogy of Fallot, which causes abnormal blood flow, or stenosis of the aorta, which increases the burden on the heart.

Complex birth defects: It combines several defects, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, where the left part of the heart does not fully develop, which affects the pumping of blood to the body.

Disorders in the formation of the heart: They include defects in the shape or orientation of blood vessels, such as inversion of the great arteries, in which the aorta and pulmonary artery are displaced and which compromise the flow of properly oxygenated blood.

Symptoms of a congenital heart defect

Symptoms of a congenital heart defect appear in infants and newborns in different forms depending on the type and severity of the congenital defect. Among the symptoms of a congenital heart defect are the following:

• Blueness appears in the skin, lips, or fingertips, especially during crying or breastfeeding, due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. 
• Rapid breathing or apparent difficulty when feeding or sleeping, sometimes accompanied by a whistling or wheezing sound. 
• Rapid fatigue during breastfeeding or inability to complete it due to excessive effort exerted by the heart Especially during breastfeeding or sleeping as a result of the body trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen. 
• Poor weight gain compared to other children due to insufficient nutrition and lack of oxygen in the body. 
• Swelling appears in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes as a result of fluid retention due to poor blood pumping. 
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations that can sometimes be noticed through the chest area. 
• Feeling cold in the hands or feet due to poor blood circulation. 

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Symptoms of heart defects in young children

Symptoms of a congenital heart defect in young children vary depending on the type and severity of the defect, and may appear gradually as the child grows. The most important of these symptoms are the following:

• The child is delayed in crawling, walking, or interacting with those around him due to the lack of oxygen reaching the brain and body. 
• The child feels very cold quickly, even in moderate climates, due to poor blood circulation.
•  Nail color changes to dull or grey.
• The child does not want to eat continuously for no apparent reason.
• Shortness of voice or wheezing sound when breathing.
• The child frequently wakes up at night due to difficulty breathing or discomfort.
• Poor concentration or lack of rapid response to external stimuli.
• Frequent colds or respiratory infections due to poor blood circulation.
• Persistent paleness of the face.
• Sometimes the child complains of a feeling of heaviness or pain in these areas when moving or breathing deeply.

How do congenital heart defects arise?

The problem of a congenital heart defect arises during the early stages of fetal growth inside the womb when a defect occurs in the formation of the heart or the blood vessels connected to it during its formation. The heart usually forms between the third and eighth weeks of pregnancy, and any disorder during this period may lead to a birth defect. The causes of these defects vary, but they often result from genetic or environmental factors or a combination of both, which include the following:

• Heart defects are passed down through families or are associated with genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome, where genetic mutations affect heart development..
• Some diseases that affect the mother during pregnancy, such as German measles, can affect the formation of the fetal heart.
• Maternal exposure to toxic chemicals, radiation, or harmful medications during pregnancy may affect the development of the fetal heart.
• Diseases such as diabetes, lupus, or high blood pressure increase the risk of the fetus developing congenital heart defects.
• Folic acid is important for healthy heart formation, and its deficiency increases the risk of birth defects.
• The risk of congenital heart defects increases in mothers who become pregnant after the age of thirty-five. 

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Complications of a congenital heart defect in a child 

Complications of a congenital heart defect in children depend on the type and severity of the defect, and if appropriate treatment is not received, a congenital heart defect may lead to short or long-term health problems, and the most important complications of a congenital heart defect are:

• فشل القلب الاحتقاني: Accumulation of fluids in the body due to poor blood pumping, which leads to swelling and difficulty breathing. 
• Delayed physical and mental developmentPoor access to oxygen affects the child’s motor and mental development
• Breathing problemsDifficulty breathing, especially during breastfeeding or playing due to poor heart function
• Recurring infections of the lungs: Increased risk of pneumonia due to poor blood circulation
• Problems with heart valvesNarrow or regurgitated valves affect normal blood flow. 
• Cardiac arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat as a result of the heart’s electrical system being affected. 
• Blood clots: Blood stasis in the heart increases the risk of clots that may reach the lungs or brain. 
• Blue baby syndrome: Blueness of the skin and lips due to mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. 
• Pulmonary hypertension: Increased pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which stresses the heart. 
• The need for repeated surgeriesSome defects require multiple operations, which increases the risks of anesthesia and surgery. 

How to prevent birth defects

Preventing the problem of a congenital heart defect is an important step that begins with proper pregnancy planning and following health guidelines that protect the health of the mother and the fetus, which are as follows:

• Paying attention to the mother’s health before pregnancy: Conduct comprehensive medical examinations and treat any chronic diseases before planning pregnancy. 
• Take folic acid regularlyStarting to take folic acid daily before pregnancy and during the first months reduces the risk of birth defects. 
• Medical follow-up during pregnancyCommitment to regular doctor visits and performing the necessary tests such as ultrasound for early detection of any problems. 
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Complete abstinence from smoking and drinking alcohol because they increase the possibility of birth defects. 
• Avoid harmful medicationsDo not take any medications during pregnancy except after consulting a doctor to avoid their negative impact on the fetus. 
• Vaccination against infectious diseases: Such as German measles, which may affect the fetus’s heart if the mother is infected. 
• Control of chronic diseasesSuch as diabetes and high blood pressure through continuous medical follow-up. 
• Avoid exposure to chemicals and radiation: Stay away from toxic substances and radiation places during pregnancy. 
• اتباع نظام غذائي صحيEat foods rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the mother and fetus. 
• Doing appropriate exercise: After consulting a doctor to maintain the mother’s health and improve blood circulation. 
• Avoid pregnancy at a late age: The probability of birth defects increases with age. 
• Taking care of the father's health as wellBecause the father's health plays a role in reducing the possibility of genetic abnormalities. 

Treatment of birth defects in children

Treatment for a congenital heart defect in children varies according to the type and severity of the defect and includes drug or surgical interventions to ensure a healthy heart. Among the methods of treating a congenital heart defect at Al Mousa Hospital are:

• العلاج الدوائي: Using medications to regulate the heartbeat or reduce fluid retention and improve heart function. 
• Cardiac catheterization: A non-surgical procedure used to repair certain defects such as holes in the heart or widening of narrowed arteries. 
• Cardiac surgery: Resorting to surgical operations to repair complex defects such as septal defects or valve problems. 
• Open heart surgeries: Used for severe cases that require direct heart repair. 
• Implantation of medical devices: Such as pacemakers to help control the heartbeat. 
• Heart transplant: In serious cases that cannot be treated with other procedures. 
• Oxygen therapy: To support children who suffer from a lack of oxygen due to blood flow problems. 

When do heart problems appear in the fetus?

Heart problems in the fetus begin to appear during the first weeks of pregnancy, usually between the third and eighth weeks when the heart and blood vessels are formed. Some heart defects may be discovered during periodic ultrasound examinations starting from the twentieth week, while some problems may not appear until after birth or during the first months of the child’s life. Therefore, regular medical follow-up during pregnancy is important for early detection of any potential heart problems in the fetus.

Frequently asked questions

Is a congenital heart defect dangerous?

The seriousness of a congenital heart defect varies according to its type and severity. Some defects are simple and do not require treatment, while others may be serious and require immediate medical intervention. Therefore, assessing the severity of the defect depends on the accurate medical diagnosis of each case.

How do I know that my infant has heart problems?

To find out if your infant has heart problems, watch for the following signs: difficulty breathing, blue lips or nails, poor feeding, delayed growth, and excessive sweating during feeding.

Should a mother visit a pediatric cardiologist during pregnancy?

Yes, it is recommended that the mother visit a pediatric cardiologist during pregnancy, especially between weeks 20 and 25, to perform an echocardiogram of the fetus and ensure that its heart is healthy and free of birth defects.

Is it recommended to examine the fetal heart during the first months of pregnancy?

Yes, it is recommended to perform a fetal heart examination during the first months of pregnancy, especially between weeks 11 and 14, for early detection of any possible heart abnormalities. This examination helps determine the health of the fetal heart and direct appropriate care early.

How do I know that my child's heart is healthy?

To know the health of your child’s heart, monitor his ability to breastfeed and grow normally, with regular breathing and normal skin color. The absence of difficulty breathing, cyanosis, or delayed growth often indicates a healthy heart. To be sure, consult your pediatrician to conduct the necessary tests.

In conclusion, the health of a child’s heart is one of the most important indicators of his healthy development, so continuous follow-up and careful observation of any abnormal signs contribute to early detection of any Congenital heart defect There are also periodic medical examinations inside Al Mousa Health Hospital It remains the best way to ensure that the child's heart is safe and that he enjoys good health.

Sources and references 

Congenital Heart Disease

About Congenital Heart Defects