Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease is a malformation of the heart present from birth. It can be simple or complex and can affect different parts of the heart, such as the valves, the septa, the blood vessels and the heart chambers. The main types are:

• Atrial septal defect (ASD): a hole between the two atria of the heart.
• Ventricular septal defect (VSD): a hole between the two ventricles of the heart.
• Atrioventricular canal defect (AVCD): a large opening between the two atria and the two ventricles of the heart.
• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): a combination of four heart defects.
• Transposition of the great arteries (TGA): the two main arteries of the heart are connected to the wrong ventricle.

Symptoms of congenital heart disease

The symptoms of congenital heart disease can vary depending on the severity of the malformation and the age of the patient. In some cases the symptoms are evident at birth, while in others they may appear later in life. They are:

• Cyanosis (a bluish color of the skin)
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Fainting

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by a cardiologist. It is important to see a specialist. At Rome American Hospital checkup visits can be done in both the pediatrics department and the cardiology department. The equipment available at the hospital of the Nefrocenter group also makes it possible to check for any heart problems through a latest-generation CT angiography.

Tests to have

The tests to have for the diagnosis and monitoring of congenital heart disease may include:

• Cardiac ultrasound
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Color Doppler echocardiogram
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT)

Treatment and care

Treatment and care depend on the severity of the malformation and the age of the patient. In some cases the malformation can be corrected with surgery. In others, medications or other palliative treatments are needed.

Congenital Heart Disease Day

World Congenital Heart Disease Day is observed every year on February 14. The goal of this day is to raise public awareness of this condition and its implications.

Statistics

In Italy, it is estimated that about 4,000 children are born each year with a congenital heart disease. Thanks to advances in medicine, the survival of these children has increased considerably in recent years. Today, about 80% of children reach adulthood.