Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a condition in which there is an error in the development of the heart or the vessels. This means that the structure of the heart and blood vessels was abnormal at birth.

There are many types of CHD involving various parts of the heart and blood vessels, some of which include holes in the heart, heart valve abnormalities, incorrect or reversed positioning of blood vessels, or other structural problems that cause abnormal blood flow.

Signs of CHD in newborns

It's crucial to detect heart abnormalities after a baby is born so that the symptoms can be managed and treated properly. Here are some signs of congenital heart disease that can be recognized after birth or in the first few months of a baby's life, including:

• Cyanosis

Congenital heart defects can cause cyanosis, which is characterized by color changes of the lips, tongue, or nails to pale gray or blue. Cyanosis occurs when there is a mixture of oxygen-rich blood and oxygen-poor blood in the circulation. This condition usually occurs due to structural abnormalities in the heart.

When oxygen-rich blood and oxygen-poor blood blend in the vessel, the blood that is delivered through the body does not have enough oxygen. Low-oxygen blood causes the skin to become blue or grayish.

• Rapid breathing

Rapid breathing, or tachypnea, is one of the most common symptoms in newborns with congenital heart defects. In infants with congenital heart defects, dysfunctional cardiovascular system force the body to maintain oxygen supply by increasing the respiratory rate. This leads the baby to breathe faster than usual.

This rapid breathing becomes one of the most important signs to recognize the presence of congenital heart defects in infants. They often require further examination to confirm the symptoms.

• Swelling

Babies with congenital heart disease often experience swelling in the legs, abdomen, and periorbital area. This may be the result of fluid buildup brought on by irregular blood flow. Heart defects can result in reduced blood circulation and slower blood flow.

• Slow weight gain

Babies with congenital heart disease tend to have slower weight gain. Difficulty breathing affects the feeding process, causing the baby to feel more tired and less enthusiastic during the breastfeeding process. This can lead to insufficient calorie intake needed for optimal growth. Some congenital heart conditions also affect nutrient absorption, which in turn affects growth and weight gain.

Early detection of the symptoms of congenital heart defects is crucial. Some congenital heart defects can be serious or less serious. If you suspect that your baby has a heart problem or notice unusual symptoms in your child, consult a pediatrician or cardiologist immediately.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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