Heart Conditions in Babies
Heart problems are the most common type of birth defect, affecting one in 125 American babies, according to the March of Dimes. Called "congenital defects," such heart problems develop in the womb. Usually, there is no known cause for congenital heart conditions.
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Patent Ductus Arteriosus
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Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common heart defect where a passageway between two major heart vessels--the pulmonary artery and the aorta--is open. This is normal in the womb, but is supposed to close before or shortly after the baby is born. PDA is commonly seen among premature babies and is usually detected during routine examinations. Symptoms are usually not obvious, although increased blood pressure may result.
Atrial Septal Defect
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Atrial septal defect (ASD) is an opening between the two chambers of the heart, called the left and right atria. This hole allows blood to flow abnormally, causing permanent damage to the lungs if left untreated. Symptoms rarely appear age 30, but ASD may be detected when your baby's pediatrician listens to her heart with a stethoscope.
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Ventricular Septal Defect
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Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a condition where there is a hole in the wall that divides the two lower chambers of the heart. This opening allows extra blood to pump into the lungs, often congesting them. Symptoms of VSD may include heavy or fast breathing, failure to thrive, sweating while eating, and frequent respiratory infections.
AVC
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Atrioventricular canal (AVC) creates several abnormalities of the heart. The AV canal (which joins the lower chambers of the heart) will have a hole at its center. In addition, the valves that should separate the upper and lower chambers of the heart are formed as one valve, instead of two. This allows blood to travel abnormally through the heart's left and right chambers, as well as into the lungs.
Although the cause of AVC is not known, it is common in babies with Down syndrome. Babies with AVC have heavier breathing, and may have eating difficulties that lead to weight gain issues. Some babies also develop high blood pressure.
Treatment
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Most babies outgrow PDA; that is, the hole in their heart seals itself up. Sometimes doses of Ibuprofen can help this process. In some cases, however, surgery is required to close the PDA.
Around half of all cases of ASA heal without treatment, according to the National Institutes of Health, but in many cases surgery is required. While waiting to see if the ASA will heal on its own, some medications may be used, including beta blockers to keep the baby's heartbeat regular, and medications to decrease the fluid in the heart and reduce the risk of blood clots.
VSD may require no treatment in mild cases, although babies and children should have regular exams to ensure the problem does not become worse. Sometimes medications (like digitalis) are given, and antibiotics should always be given before the child has work done on her teeth or has invasive medical procedures. If the VSD is severe, or the baby develops a heart infection, surgery is required.
AVC is treated through surgery, although medication may be used to temporarily control symptoms.
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