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.
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.
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.
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
Diagnosis
Complications
Treatment for VSD in a Baby
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.
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
Diagnosis
Complications
Treatment for ASD in a Baby
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!