Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

Please note: This information is for general knowledge only and should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health or the health of your child, please contact a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

1. Risk Factors for CHD:

• Maternal Rubella Infection:

  • CHD associated: Rubella can lead to various types of CHD, including ventricular septal defects (VSD), atrial septal defects (ASD), pulmonary stenosis, and Tetralogy of Fallot.
  • Note: Rubella infection during the first trimester of pregnancy poses the highest risk of CHD.

• Maternal Alcohol Consumption:

  • CHD associated: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), including heart defects such as VSD, ASD, and valve abnormalities.
  • Note: Even minimal alcohol intake can harm the developing fetus.

• Maternal Diabetes Mellitus (DM):

  • CHD associated: Gestational DM can increase the risk of heart defects in the fetus, including VSD, ASD, and valve abnormalities.
  • Note: Maintaining good blood sugar control during pregnancy is crucial to reduce the risk of CHD.

2. Classification of CHD by Shunt Location:

• T-P Shunt (Systemic Aorta – Pulmonary Artery):

  • 8 types of T-P shunts:
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
  • Aortic – Pulmonary Artery Shunt
  • Pulmonary Stenosis
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
  • Truncus Arteriosus
  • Five-Chambered Heart

• P-T Shunt (Pulmonary Artery – Systemic Aorta):

  • 3 types of P-T shunts:
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

• Two-Way Shunt:

  • At the systemic aorta:
  • PDA
  • Truncus Arteriosus
  • At the atrium:
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • At the ventricle:
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

3. Classification of CHD by Skin Color:

• Acyanotic CHD, T-P shunt:

  • 6 types:
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
  • Pulmonary Stenosis
  • Aortic – Pulmonary Artery Shunt
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
  • Truncus Arteriosus

• Acyanotic CHD, Obstruction of Blood Flow:

  • 6 types:
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis
  • Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
  • Coarctation of the Aorta
  • Pulmonary Stenosis
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency

• Cyanotic CHD, Decreased Blood Flow to the Lungs:

  • 5 types:
  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
  • Five-Chambered Heart
  • Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
  • Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV)
  • Tricuspid Atresia (TA)

4. Pathological Features:

• Red Blood Cells in P-T Shunt CHD: Small red blood cells due to insufficient iron reserves.
• When does cyanosis usually appear in Tetralogy of Fallot? During the first 6 months after birth.
• Clinical Manifestations of a Blue Spell: Sudden, severe cyanosis, rapid and deep breathing, loss of consciousness.
• Why is a systolic murmur heard over the left 3rd intercostal space in Tetralogy of Fallot? Due to pulmonary stenosis.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) in Tetralogy of Fallot: Right axis deviation, right ventricular hypertrophy.
• P-T Shunt in Tetralogy of Fallot: From the right ventricle to the aorta.

5. Prevention of Blue Spells:

There is no complete prevention for blue spells, but the risk can be reduced by:

• Managing underlying conditions effectively
• Prophylactic antibiotic therapy
• Regular health monitoring
• Improving physical condition
• Providing guidance on medication use and appropriate treatment methods
• Offering psychological support to patients and families

Note:

• This article serves as a general information source and should not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
• Each patient’s case is unique, and treatment decisions will be made by a cardiac specialist based on the specific circumstances of each individual.