Heart throb

About one of every 100 babies has a structural heart problem - a congenital (present at birth) heart defect.

These defects are the most common form of major birth defect, affecting 30,000 American babies each year.

A baby's heart begins to form shortly after conception, and by the end of the second month of pregnancy, the heart is completely formed. It is during this time that heart defects can occur. A congenital cardiovascular defect occurs when the heart or blood vessels near the heart don't develop normally before birth.

While no one knows for sure what causes most of these defects, both environmental and hereditary factors can play a role:

• A serious viral infection, like German measles (rubella), during pregnancy
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Chronic illnesses and heredity

Some heart defects are so mild that the child can lead a very normal, active life for many years. Other heart defects are so severe that the child's life is in immediate danger. In most cases, heart defects either obstruct blood flow in the heart or vessels near it, or cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern.

Symptoms of significant heart problems in newborns include rapid breathing, blueness of lips, and failure to thrive. In older children signs might include fatigue, difficulty exercising, and chest pain.

For more information about congenital heart defects and treatments available
at University of Iowa Children's Hospital, call UI Health Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 105, or 800-777-8442, ext. 105.

Read more...