Congenital Heart Defects
At Dr. Kunal Mahajan Children’s Hospital, we provide specialized services for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in children. Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth, affecting the heart’s chambers, valves, walls, or blood vessels. These conditions may vary in severity, from mild defects that require little to no intervention to complex defects that require surgical correction. Our dedicated team of pediatric cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiac nurses, and support staff is committed to providing comprehensive care to children with congenital heart defects and their families.
Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis of congenital heart defects is essential for initiating timely treatment and optimizing outcomes. Our experienced pediatric cardiologists perform thorough evaluations, including clinical assessments, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests, to assess heart structure and function, identify abnormalities, and confirm the diagnosis of CHD. Diagnostic tests may include echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), electrocardiography (ECG), chest X-rays, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cardiac catheterization to evaluate the extent and severity of the heart defect.
Classification: Congenital heart defects encompass a wide range of structural abnormalities affecting different parts of the heart. Common types of congenital heart defects include:
Septal Defects: Septal defects involve abnormal openings or holes in the septum (the wall between the heart’s chambers), allowing blood to flow between chambers and affecting blood circulation. Examples include atrial septal defects (ASDs) and ventricular septal defects (VSDs).
Valve Abnormalities: Valve abnormalities involve malformations or dysfunctions of the heart valves, leading to leakage (regurgitation) or narrowing (stenosis) of the valves. Examples include pulmonary valve stenosis, aortic valve stenosis, mitral valve regurgitation, and tricuspid valve abnormalities.
Cyanotic Heart Defects: Cyanotic heart defects are characterized by a lack of oxygenated blood circulation, resulting in cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin). Examples include Tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and truncus arteriosus.
Obstructive Lesions: Obstructive lesions involve blockages or narrowings in the heart’s blood vessels, impeding blood flow and affecting cardiac function. Examples include coarctation of the aorta, pulmonary artery stenosis, and aortic arch abnormalities.
Treatment: Treatment for congenital heart defects depends on various factors, including the type and severity of the defect, the child’s age, and overall health. Our hospital offers a range of treatment options for congenital heart defects, including:
Medications: Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms, improve heart function, and prevent complications associated with congenital heart defects. Common medications include diuretics (to reduce fluid retention), inotropes (to improve heart contraction), and anticoagulants (to prevent blood clots).
- Heart Transplantation: In rare cases of severe or life-threatening congenital heart defects that cannot be corrected through other treatments, heart transplantation may be considered as a treatment option. Our hospital offers comprehensive evaluation, management, and support for children who may require heart transplantation, including pre-transplant assessments, donor matching, and post-transplant care.
Supportive Care and Follow-Up: In addition to medical and surgical interventions, our hospital provides comprehensive supportive care, follow-up monitoring, and ongoing management for children with congenital heart defects. We offer specialized cardiac care clinics, cardiac rehabilitation programs, and multidisciplinary support services to address the unique needs of children with CHDs and their families. Our team collaborates closely with primary care providers, pediatricians, and other specialists to ensure continuity of care and optimize long-term outcomes for children with congenital heart defects.
