The human heart is the organ responsible for regulating the blood flow in the human body. Sometimes babies are born with a defective heart or more appropriately a defect in the structure of their heart. This defect has an adverse effect on the functioning of the heart and in turn, adversely affects the proper flow of blood.
The human heart comprises of two sides divided by a wall also known as the septum. There are two simultaneous processes that the heart performs with every beat. Every heartbeat results in oxygen-poor blood flowing into the right side of the heart that is in turn pumped by the heart into the lungs. Blood rich in oxygen is pumped by the left side of the heart into the body. The inner wall or the septum keeps the oxygen-rich blood separate from the oxygen-poor blood by forming a physical barrier between the different sides of the heart.
In this article, we take a close look at congenital heart defects types, their causes and available treatments.
What Is Meant By a Hole in the Heart?
Sometimes babies are born with a hole in the inner wall or the septum, these holes connect the separate chambers of the heart and interfere with the manner in which blood carries oxygen to and from the heart.
In simpler terms, holes in the heart are referred to as congenital heart defects. With advancements in medical knowledge and technology in terms of diagnosis and treatment, children diagnosed with congenital heart defects can survive and grow to live a normal life since these defects can heal on their own in due time. The survival rate of a baby born with a hole in the heart is exceptionally high now due to the advancements in the medical field.
Types of Holes in the Heart
An atrial septal defect or ASD is when the hole is in the upper part of the septum and between the two upper chambers in the heart. If the hole is in the lower septum between the two lower chambers it is known as a ventricular septal defect or VSD. In case of an ASD or a VSD the blood from two different chambers in the heart mix resulting in some oxygen-poor blood being pumped into the body instead of the lungs and some oxygen-rich blood being pumped back into the lungs instead of the body.
1. Ventricular Septal Defect
A ventricular septal defect, a hole in the heart, is a congenital heart defect. The two lower chambers of the heart are called ventricles. The ventricular septal defect can be described as a hole or an opening in the septum that separates the left ventricle from the right ventricle. This hole or opening results in the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the left to the right ventricle. Under ideal circumstances, the oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle should flow into the body via the aorta. However, when this does not happen it is a case of ventricular septal defect or VSD.
Possible Causes
The main cause of a hole in the heart could be a congenital heart defect, which may be hereditary. It has been observed that parents with congenital heart defects are more likely to pass on this complication to their child. Genetic disorders have also been known to cause congenital heart defects. Down syndrome, for example, is a genetic disorder; most children born with Down syndrome suffer from congenital heart defects. Tobacco abuse is also known to cause VSD in babies particularly if women indulge in smoking while pregnant.
Signs and Symptoms of VSD in Babies
- A routine check-up during the first few weeks of life could identify VSD. When blood flows between the left and right ventricles, it produces a unique sound or vibration known as heart murmur. The murmur associated with a VSD is unique and the doctor would identify it as opposed to a murmur caused by other factors.
- In case of moderate to large VSDs, a baby may breathe faster than usual and show signs of exhaustion while feeding.
- A baby with a VSD may tend to break into a sweat or start crying while being fed.
- A baby with a VSD may gain weight very slowly.
Diagnosis
- If a heart murmur is observed then the doctor may suggest that you talk your baby to a paediatric cardiologist.
- A paediatric cardiologist will study the child’s medical history and conduct a medical examination.
- The cardiologist may suggest a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram which tests the electrical activity of the heart.
- The cardiologist may also ask for an echocardiogram which will help create an image of the heart using sound waves. This test will also reveal vital information such as the structure of the heart, blood flow through the chambers of the heart, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.
- If additional information is required a cardiac catheterization may be performed to measure the level of blood oxygen in the heart and the blood pressure.
Complications
- If the VSD is medium or large, the baby’s heart will need to pump harder to pump more blood. This could lead to heart failure. In case of a VSD, the left side of the heart pumps blood both into the right ventricle and the body, the additional effort by the heart increases the heart rate and the body’s need for energy. This is also one of the reasons for heart failure, though it occurs over a period of time.
- Retarded growth may be observed in a baby born with a VSD as he won’t be able to feed enough to meet the additional energy requirements of his body.
- A VSD could lead to endocarditis, which is a heart infection.
- Irregular heartbeats and scaring of the blood vessels in the lungs.
Treatment for VSD in a Baby
- Doctors recommend high-calorie formula and breast milk supplements to meet the extra energy needs of a baby’s body who is suffering from VSD.
- In the event that a VSD does not heal naturally by the age of one, heart surgery may be recommended to treat the hole in the heart.
- Surgery is also advised if the baby needs to be kept on medication to prevent heart failure or is failing to gain weight.
Caring for a Baby With VSD
In case a baby is diagnosed with a small VSD and is displaying no symptoms of the same, parents should take him for regular check-ups to a cardiologist. Proper oral hygiene should also be maintained for a baby who has VSD as bacteria from the mouth may enter the bloodstream and cause an infection in the inner linings of the heart. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to the baby before any medical or dental procedure is recommended further to avoid any infections in the heart. A regular visit to the paediatrician is recommended to children with VSD in order to check for normal growth and development. Play and other activities should be initiated only as per the instructions of the doctor.
2. Atrial Septal Defect
The two upper chambers of the heart are called atria. An atrial septal defect in infants can be described as a hole or an opening in the part of the septum which keeps the left and the right atrium separate. This hole or opening results in the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium into the right atrium. Under ideal circumstances, the oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium should flow into the body and not back into the lungs, if it doesn’t it is an atrial septal defect or ASD.
Causes
The probable causes of ASD are similar to the probable causes of VSD as mentioned above. Some babies may have heart defects because of the changes in their chromosomes or genes.
Signs and Symptoms of ASD in Babies
- A baby with ASD may have difficulty while breathing.
- He may feel lethargic and tired.
- Blood and fluids may accumulate in his lungs.
- Accumulation of fluid in feet, legs and ankles.
Diagnosis
- If a heart murmur is noticed then the doctor may suggest that you take your child to a paediatric cardiologist.
- A paediatric cardiologist will study the child’s medical history and conduct a medical examination.
- The cardiologist may ask for a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram which tests the electrical activity of the heart.
- The cardiologist may also ask for an echocardiogram which creates an image of the heart using sound waves. This is a primary test for an ASD and will also reveal vital information such as the structure of the heart, blood flow through the chambers of the heart, blood pressure and the pumping capacity of the heart.
Complications
- In case of an ASD, the right side of the heart is forced to work harder and may eventually result in right-sided heart failure.
- Irregular heartbeats on account of an enlarged right atrium.
- Blood clots may not be filtered out by the lungs and may travel into the body and block blood flow in arteries resulting in a stroke. However, if the ASD is benign, it may not cause blood clots. Blood clots are usually seen in adults.
Treatment for ASD in a Baby
- A baby with an ASD should be taken for periodic check-ups to check whether the ASD has healed naturally or not.
- With children between two and five years of age still suffering from ASD, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure to eliminate the condition.
Caring for a Baby With ASD
In most cases, ASDs heals normally; furthermore, a small ASD does not require any extra care and attention. A regular visit to the paediatrician is recommended for children with ASD in order to check for normal growth and development. Play and other activities should be initiated only as per the instruction of the doctor.
Congenital heart defects including both ASD and VSD tend to heal on their own. Advances in medical science and technology have greatly improved the diagnosis and treatments of congenital heart defects. Unfortunately, if your baby has a congenital heart defect, check with a doctor immediately. Follow his instructions and take precautions. Your baby will grow into a healthy and happy individual!
