HEART

Congenital heart disease is the result of a malfunction in the development of the fetal heart and is usually caused by chromosomal abnormality. Congenital heart disease happens to about 1% of all children, and not all sufferers discover their condition as children, but may not know that they have congenital heart disease until later in life. Like acquired heart disease, congenital heart disease involves a slow deterioration of the heart's functioning and its inability to sustain the body. The heart needs to work harder to pump the blood to the organs and to remove fluids through circulation. As a result, liquid may build up in the lungs, the intestines and the extremities. Congenital heart disease may also involve a damage to the heart's valves which interferes with proper pumping of the blood. Arrhythmias or irregular heart beats may develop.

Congenital heart disease often occurs in Down's Syndrome children or those whose mothers had rubella or German measles while pregnant. It is essential for all women of reproductive age to get a vaccination for rubella to prevent the possibility of having this illness. If parents have one child with congenital heart disease, the chance is much greater that an additional child or children will have the problem. It is essential to be on the alert of any problems which may point to congenital heart disease, particularly if one has a Down's syndrome child or if the problem has occurred in one's family.

There are some things that can be done to treat symptoms of congenital heart disease, although research is still being done on how to completely reverse the damage. Certain medications may be taken to improve heart an artery functioning, but this medicine usually should be taken on a permanent basis. Surgery may be performed to repair the problem with the heart or the valves, but not all such operations are successful. However, great strides have been taken to improve heart surgery, and it seems that more people will live longer with heart disease.

Although congenital heart disease is not caused by habits, unlike the majority of heart problems, it is still essential that one suffering from congenital heart disease should avoid smoking, saturated fats, high sodium and should exercise on a regular basis. Although lifestyle was not the initial cause of the problem, it is essential that one's habits not worsen the condition.

If you have a history of congenital heart disease in your family, don't assume that just because the condition was not discovered when you are a child that you do not have to be concerned and vigilant. Make sure you go for frequent examinations and adhere to a regimen of healthy food and exercise. Be aware of symptoms of a heart attack, such as shoulder pain, dizziness, nausea, chest pain. If you feel that your heart is skipping a beat or notice swelling in your ankles, you might be experiencing difficulty with your heart, and should go to a doctor right away. Make sure you have regular checkups and have your heart rate monitored.