Jakarta –
All parents certainly want their children to be in good health. However, there are still many babies who are born in abnormal conditions, including those with congenital heart disease (CHD).
Congenital heart disease is a heart disease that has been present since birth, due to the formation of an imperfect heart in the early phases of fetal development in the womb. This condition can interfere with blood flow to the heart, resulting in imperfect growth and development in children and can be fatal if not handled properly.
Parents must pay close attention to children, such as finding out about the causes and characteristics of CHD in order to minimize the impact on children. The important thing is awareness by parents not to be afraid to take their child to a health facility.
“Usually the baby is taken to the ER, because of heart failure, after a while the blue gets bluer accompanied by moaning cries, worsening breathing, decreased consciousness, fainting, and if left alone can be death,” said a specialist in heart and blood vessels, Dr. Radityo Prakoso, SpJP (K) from Heartology Cardiovascular Center Hospital via Webinar on Monday (27/2/2023)
According to Dr. Radityo, the causes of CHD are varied. Starting from genetic factors, rubella virus infection during pregnancy, babies born with Down syndrome, to the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Drug use
- Consuming alcohol, and
- Active and passive smokers.
As an initial treatment, parents need to know the symptoms of babies with CHD such as the following:
- The skin becomes bluish
- Difficulty breathing
- Weight continues to decrease
- The growth of the child’s body does not develop
- Abnormal heartbeat sound
- Moaning cries
- Continuous cough
When a child has the characteristics as above, it is required to see a cardiologist and not wait until the disease gets worse. If you don’t get fast and proper treatment, the risk of death in children will continue to increase.
In addition, the first treatment if a child with blue skin or shortness of breath cannot be done at home, due to further tests being carried out by a doctor to get help.
Treatment of CHD can be done by doctors by performing surgery or non-surgical. However, some things have to be done surgically because of the complex nature of the condition.
Watch Video “Beware of Heart Disease in Children!“
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