- Your genes. Congenital heart disease appears to run in families (inherited) and is associated with many genetic syndromes. …
- German measles (rubella). Having rubella during pregnancy may affect how the baby’s heart develops while in the womb.
- Diabetes. …
- Medications. …
- Alcohol. …
- Smoking.
How does congenital heart disease develop?
Congenital heart disease is caused
when something disrupts the normal development of the heart
. It’s thought that most cases occur when something affects the heart’s development during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy.
What are the main causes of heart defects?
- Age. Growing older increases your risk of damaged and narrowed arteries and a weakened or thickened heart muscle.
- Sex. Men are generally at greater risk of heart disease. …
- Family history. …
- Smoking. …
- Poor diet. …
- High blood pressure. …
- High blood cholesterol levels. …
- Diabetes.
Can congenital heart defects be prevented?
As so little is known about the causes of congenital heart disease,
there’s no guaranteed way of avoiding having a baby with the condition
. However, if you’re pregnant, the following advice can help reduce the risk: Ensure you are vaccinated against rubella and flu. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medication.
How are heart defects formed?
What causes a congenital heart defect (CHD)? A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a heart problem that a baby has at birth. It is
caused by abnormal formation of the heart during growth in the womb
. In most cases, when a baby is born with a congenital heart defect, there is no known reason for it.
How long can you live with congenital heart defect?
About 75% of babies born with a critical CHD are expected to
survive to one year of age
. About 69% of babies born with critical CHDs are expected to survive to 18 years of age. Survival and medical care for babies with critical CHDs are improving.
Can stress cause congenital heart defects?
MONDAY, March 25 (HealthDay News) — Stress in mothers before and during pregnancy may boost the risk of congenital heart defects in their children, more new evidence suggests. But the findings aren’t
conclusive
, and the effect — if it exists — appears to be small.
What is the most severe congenital heart defect?
Critical congenital heart defects (also called critical CHDs or critical congenital heart disease)
are the most serious congenital heart defects. Babies with critical CHDs need surgery or other treatment within the first year of life. Without treatment, critical CHDs can cause serious health problems and death.
Can heart defects be prevented?
Eating lots of
foods high in saturated fat and trans fat
may contribute to heart disease. Eating foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol can help prevent high cholesterol. Limiting salt (sodium) in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.
How do I know if my child has a heart problem?
Passing out during physical exercise or activity
.
Heart palpitations
—a heartbeat that feels funny or fluttery to a child. Shortness of breath while playing or being active. Chest pain.
What week is the heart fully developed?
By the
10th week
, the fetal heart will have developed fully. It may be possible to hear the heartbeat of an embryo from the fifth week of pregnancy.
When does a baby’s heart stop developing?
British researchers analyzed scans of the hearts of healthy fetuses in the womb and found that the heart has four clearly defined chambers in the eighth week of pregnancy, but does not have fully organized muscle tissue until
the 20th week
. This is much later than expected, according to the study published Feb.
How early can you detect a heart defect?
Congenital heart disease may initially be suspected during a routine ultrasound scan of the baby in the womb. Specialist ultrasound, called foetal echocardiography, will then be carried out at
around 18 to 22 weeks of the pregnancy
to try to confirm the exact diagnosis.
Can a baby live with a heart defect?
As medical care and treatment have improved, babies and children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) are
living longer and healthier lives
. Most are now living into adulthood. Ongoing, appropriate medical care can help children and adults with a CHD live as healthy as possible.
Is congenital heart defect a disability?
Under guidelines set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA), Symptomatic Congenital Heart Disease
may qualify a person to receive Social Security Disability benefits
.
How long can you live with a heart defect?
Life expectancy with congestive heart failure varies depending on the severity of the condition, genetics, age, and other factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one-half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure
will survive beyond five years
.
