Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease
Steven J. Walton
Florida State College at Cecil North Center
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease can be described as a number of different problems affecting the heart. According to professors at many universities, it is the most common type of birth defect. It is said that Congenital Heart Disease is responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defect. Some of the defects may heal over time, but others will require treatment. Congenital Heart Disease is sometimes divided into two types: Cyanotic (blue discoloration caused by a lack of oxygen) and non-cyanotic. Granted, there are many symptoms of the Congenital Heart Disease.
Symptoms
Of course, like many diseases do, the Congenital Heart Disease has numerous symptoms. But, the symptoms depend on the specific condition of the disease. An example would be that of one of the types (Cyanotic and non-cyanotic), Pulmonary Valve Stenosis. Some of the symptoms (NY Times, 2009) include bluish coloration to the skin, chest pain, fainting, fatigue, poor weight gain or failure to thrive, shortness of breath and sudden death. PVS is usually caused by a problem that happens when the fetus is forming. Though the cause is unknown, genetics could play a role. Moreover, there are plenty other symptoms of the Congenital Heart Disease.
Aortic Stenosis
According to (PubMed Health, 2010) in Aortic Stenosis, the aortic valve does not open fully, thus decreasing blood flow from the heart. At times, Aortic Stenosis may be present at birth, or it may develop later in life. Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis may include breathlessness, chest pain (crushing, squeezing, etc), weakness, sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations: unpleasant sensations of irregular and/or forceful beating of the heart.)
Atrial Septal Defect
The Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), (KidsHealth 2009) sometimes referred to as a hole in the heart, is a type of congenital heart
Steven J. Walton
Florida State College at Cecil North Center
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease can be described as a number of different problems affecting the heart. According to professors at many universities, it is the most common type of birth defect. It is said that Congenital Heart Disease is responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defect. Some of the defects may heal over time, but others will require treatment. Congenital Heart Disease is sometimes divided into two types: Cyanotic (blue discoloration caused by a lack of oxygen) and non-cyanotic. Granted, there are many symptoms of the Congenital Heart Disease.
Symptoms
Of course, like many diseases do, the Congenital Heart Disease has numerous symptoms. But, the symptoms depend on the specific condition of the disease. An example would be that of one of the types (Cyanotic and non-cyanotic), Pulmonary Valve Stenosis. Some of the symptoms (NY Times, 2009) include bluish coloration to the skin, chest pain, fainting, fatigue, poor weight gain or failure to thrive, shortness of breath and sudden death. PVS is usually caused by a problem that happens when the fetus is forming. Though the cause is unknown, genetics could play a role. Moreover, there are plenty other symptoms of the Congenital Heart Disease.
Aortic Stenosis
According to (PubMed Health, 2010) in Aortic Stenosis, the aortic valve does not open fully, thus decreasing blood flow from the heart. At times, Aortic Stenosis may be present at birth, or it may develop later in life. Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis may include breathlessness, chest pain (crushing, squeezing, etc), weakness, sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations: unpleasant sensations of irregular and/or forceful beating of the heart.)
Atrial Septal Defect
The Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), (KidsHealth 2009) sometimes referred to as a hole in the heart, is a type of congenital heart
References: Bryg, R.J., MD (2009). Heart Diseases: Congenital Heart Disease Mikati, Issam., MD (2010). VeriMed Healthcare Network Zieve, David., MD, MHA. (2010) VeriMed Healthcare Network