Many children are born with congenital heart disease, which is often detected immediately after birth through medical examinations. However, for children whose symptoms appear later in life, parents can monitor certain signs to recognize this condition.

Dr. Kittichai Luengthaweeboon, Director of the Vascular and Thoracic Surgery Center at Phyathai 2 Hospital, explains that congenital heart disease refers to abnormalities in the heart present from birth, occurring in approximately 5-8 out of every 1,000 children. This rate is relatively high compared to other congenital disorders, such as cleft lip/palate and other disabilities.
Causes of Congenital Heart Disease

The exact cause remains unclear, but it is associated with certain health conditions in the mother, such as:

-   Rubella infection, especially during the first trimester
-   Diabetes
-   Nutritional deficiencies
-   Drug use or exposure to chemicals during pregnancy

In cases where the mother’s first pregnancy occurs after age 35-40, the child may have chromosomal abnormalities or Down syndrome, which can lead to congenital heart defects like septal defects or heart valve regurgitation

Recognizing Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease

External symptoms may include:

-   Cyanosis (bluish skin tone)
-   Frequent fatigue and shortness of breath
-   Rapid breathing at all times
-   Excessive sweating

-   Faster and stronger heartbeat than normal
-   Heart failure from birth
-   Frequent colds, coughing, or pneumonia

Internal symptoms can be identified through a medical examination, including:

-   Irregular heartbeat sounds, possibly indicating valve leakage or excess heart vessels

Symptoms can sometimes present at birth or may emerge later. Parents should regularly monitor their child’s health to ensure timely treatment.
Diagnostic Methods for Congenital Heart Disease

1. Medical History: Discussing symptoms associated with congenital heart risks
2. Special Heart Tests in Children: Such as an Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Chest X-ray
3. Echocardiogram: To examine heart structure, septal defects, and valve function to diagnose the specific heart condition
4. Cardiac Catheterization: To check heart vessels

When surgical treatment is necessary, a cardiac surgeon will perform surgery to correct the defect. Most children recover fully, allowing them to exercise, grow, and live normally post-treatment. However, some cases may require multiple procedures due to the complexity of the condition.

Post-Surgical Care for Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Key aspects for parents include:

1. Administering prescribed medication consistently
2. Monitoring for abnormal post-surgical symptoms
3. Preventing infections
4. Watching for potential complications and responding promptly
5. Attending regular follow-up appointments to receive guidance and effective medical care