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Congenital Heart Diseases

Structural heart abnormalities present at birth, ranging from mild to life-threatening forms.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Congenital Heart Diseases?

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are structural abnormalities that arise during the heart's development in utero. They occur in about 8 per 1,000 newborns.

CHD encompasses a wide range of conditions including atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great arteries.

Many congenital heart defects can now be successfully repaired. With early diagnosis and intervention, patients can lead a normal or near-normal life.

Symptoms

Cyanosis (bluish discoloration) in a newborn
Difficulty feeding and failure to thrive
Rapid breathing and sweating during feeding (in infants)
Recurrent respiratory infections
Heart murmur (detected by the physician)
Shortness of breath on exertion and easy fatigability (in older children)
Palpitations and irregular pulse

Risk Factors

Genetic syndromes (such as Down syndrome)
Uncontrolled maternal diabetes
Rubella during pregnancy
Certain medications in pregnancy (lithium, thalidomide, etc.)
Maternal phenylketonuria
Family history of congenital heart disease
Advanced maternal age

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Seek emergency care for a newborn with cyanosis or respiratory distress
  • In cases of poor feeding and failure to gain weight
  • For echocardiography when the physician detects a heart murmur
  • For fetal echocardiography in mothers at risk during pregnancy
  • For periodic cardiology follow-up of children with a known CHD

Treatment Methods

01
Catheter-based closure procedures (for ASD, VSD, PDA — minimally invasive)
02
Open-heart surgery (for more complex anomalies)
03
Balloon valvuloplasty or stent placement (in vascular narrowings)
04
Medical therapy (to support closure or control symptoms in selected cases)
05
Continuous follow-up at an adult-CHD clinic
06
Genetic counseling and family screening

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.