Acyanotic Heart Diseases
In acyanotic heart disease, oxygen levels in the bloodstream are usually normal. In these types of diseases, there is an abnormal blood flow from the left heart to the right heart.
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): This is a condition where there is a hole between the atria of the heart.
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall between the ventricles of the heart.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): The blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) that should close after birth remains open.
- Pulmonary stenosis: This is a narrowing of the blood vessels leading to the lungs.
- Aortic Coarctation: There is a narrowing in a specific section of the aorta.
Cyanotic Heart Diseases
In this group of diseases, the blood sent to the body is not sufficiently oxygenated, causing cyanosis (bluish discoloration) of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Tetralogy of Fallot: A complex disease characterized by the simultaneous presence of four different heart anomalies.
- Transposition: A congenital anomaly in which the main arteries (aorta and pulmonary artery) are reversed.
- Truncus Arteriosus: There is only one large artery that exits the heart.
- Total Abnormal Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVD): Oxygenated blood returning from the lungs is returned to the heart incorrectly.
- Tricuspid atresia: This is the absence of blood flow between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
Symptoms
While some congenital heart diseases can manifest immediately after birth, others may remain undetected until later in life. The most common symptoms include:
- Bruising (cyanosis)
- Rapid breathing
- Feeding difficulties
- Inability to gain weight
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Exercise intolerance
- Frequent respiratory tract infections
Reasons
The exact causes of congenital heart disease are not fully known, but some risk factors have been identified:
- Genetic factors
- Chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and Turner syndrome.
- Infections contracted during pregnancy (e.g., rubella)
- Diabetic mother
- Alcohol, smoking, or drug use
- consanguineous marriage
Diagnostic Methods
Accurate and early diagnosis is crucial in congenital heart diseases. The diagnostic methods used are as follows:
- Physical examination: Auscultation for murmur, observation for bruising.
- Echocardiography (ECHO): This is the most important method for the structural and functional evaluation of the heart.
- Electrocardiography (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Chest X-ray: Heart size and lung structure are assessed.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed information, especially in complex anomalies.
- CT Angiography: Provides visualization of the heart vessels.
- Cardiac catheterization: Used for both diagnosis and certain interventional procedures.
Treatment Methods
Non-Surgical Interventional Methods
- Balloon angioplasty
- Hole sealing with occluder devices
- Stent placement
Surgical Methods
Surgical treatment is usually performed through open-heart surgery. Common surgical procedures include:
- ASD/VSD closure: Closing the holes in the heart.
- Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: Correction of all anomalies.
- Transposition repair: Proper repositioning of the arteries.
- Shunt surgeries: Temporary surgeries aimed at increasing blood flow to the lungs.
- Treatment of vascular narrowing: Aortic coarctation repair
Success Rate of Congenital Heart Surgery
Today, congenital heart surgery has very high success rates. Especially in experienced centers, the vast majority of children can lead normal lives after surgery. Factors affecting success include:
- Type and severity of the disease
- The surgeon's and team's experience
- Appropriate diagnosis and follow-up
- The family should be aware and involved.
