The number of babies born with heart disease in the world is more than one million. This number is common in our country as well as in the world. In our country, 15 thousand babies are born with congenital heart disease. There are more than 200 congenital heart diseases, especially the holes between the chambers of the heart, stenosis in the vessels that go to the lungs and provide blood distribution, and developmental disorders of the ventricles and atria. Congenital heart diseases can lead to severe clinical pictures that pose a life-threatening risk, especially in the early neonatal period (in the first days after birth). However, with early diagnosis and correct treatment approaches, babies born with congenital heart disease can live a healthy and long life.
THE NEED FOR SURGERY IS DECREASING
Moreover, thanks to the important developments in the ‘angiography’ method used in the detection and treatment of diseases specific to the arteries feeding the heart, the need for surgery in some congenital heart diseases is gradually decreasing! In addition, newborn babies, who are expected to gain weight in order to undergo surgery, can hold on to life without losing time with angiography!
“THE METHOD HAS A HIGH CHANCE OF SUCCESS”
Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Pediatric Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Pointing out that many congenital heart diseases can be treated with angiography today, Ayhan Çevik said, “The holes in the heart can be closed with angiography, narrow vessels can be opened, and the valve can be changed in children with impaired valve functions. All these developments continue rapidly, enabling our pediatric heart patients to lead a higher quality and longer life. The angiography method can be used for diagnosis and treatment at any age, starting from the newborn period, including premature babies born prematurely and with low weight, thanks to new technological developments. The method has a high chance of success and a low probability of side effects.” says.
“IT HAS 1 IN EVERY 3 BABIES”
In congenital heart diseases, it is necessary to intervene in 1 out of every 3 babies in the first month after birth. Therefore, early diagnosis is vital for tiny hearts! Pediatric Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayhan Cevik, 18-20th of pregnancy. Drawing attention to the fact that congenital heart diseases can be screened with the ultrasonographic method called fetal echocardiography starting from the 20th week of pregnancy, “If the diagnosis is made during pregnancy, the delivery is carried out in appropriate centers and it increases the success of the treatment, as it ensures that the necessary intervention can be made immediately after the birth. For this reason, it is of great importance that the diagnosis of congenital heart disease is made prenatally, if possible, and that the delivery is carried out in centers equipped to intervene in these diseases. Congenital heart diseases can be diagnosed after birth with a complete physical examination, and if suspected, with echocardiography. If necessary, additional angiography and tomography examinations can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
CAN TAKE A LONG TIME TO SYMPTOMS
There are many subtypes of congenital heart diseases and each disease can manifest itself with different signals. Pediatric Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayhan Çevik, stating that the signs and symptoms may occur years later in some children in line with the severity of the disease, said, “For example, the holes between the chambers of the heart can develop with different findings at different times, depending on their size. There may also be rare diseases that do not show symptoms during routine controls, but show symptoms when the reserves of the heart are exhausted.” says.
PAY ATTENTION TO THESE SYMPTOMS!
For early diagnosis and treatment, it is of great importance that families do not overlook some symptoms, apart from the periodic routine examination starting from the neonatal period. prof. Dr. Ayhan Çevik lists the symptoms that vary according to age range in childhood as follows:
IN THE NEWBORN PERIOD
IN INFLUENCE
Frequent lower respiratory tract infections
Growth – stagnation or absence of development
sweating excessively
Respiratory and heart rate above normal values
Getting tired quickly in motor activities that require effort
- Bruising inside the lips and mouth
IN THE SCHOOL AGE PERIOD
To perform less than their peers in sports activities
get tired quickly
Having frequent lung infections
fainting or fainting
- Chest pain caused by exertion or sports activity
REGULAR FOLLOW-UP IS IMPORTANT IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE DISEASE!
Congenital heart diseases; It is treated with 3 different methods: medication, angiography and surgery. Which treatment option will be applied may vary depending on the time of diagnosis of the disease, its severity, and whether there is any other anomaly. Pediatric Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Pointing out that most of the congenital heart diseases have been successfully treated thanks to the technological developments in our country in recent years, Ayhan Çevik said, “Therefore, it is very important to carry out periodic check-ups starting from pregnancy, as it allows the diagnosis of the disease without symptoms. In addition, as in other childhood diseases; It is vital that children are followed up regularly during their growth and development.” says.