Children born with heart defects are known to have congenital heart disease or CHD. CHDs that affect children include heart valve disorders or narrowing of the aortic valve, hypoplastic heart syndrome where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, and disorders involving holes in the heart, typically in the walls between the chambers and between major blood vessels leaving the heart.
There is no known cause for CHD, but some studies have shown that exposure of the fetus to maternal illnesses such as diabetes, German measles, fever illnesses, phenylketonuria may cause some form of CHDs. Smoking, substance abuse, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of the unborn child to develop CHDs. Some common symptoms of CHD include heart murmurs, heart palpitations, bluish tint to the skin, lips and fingernails, and abnormal rounding of the nailbed or clubbing. Treatment includes medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Diets rich in folic acid, vitamin B2, riboflavin and nicotinamide have been shown to help protect unborn children from CHDs.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of CHDs, seek medical attention immediately. You may also refer children with CHDs to Hope for Hearts to help them live an active and healthy lifestyle. Hope for Hearts support The Exercise Medicine Program, created within the Labatt Family Heart Centre at The Hospital for Sick Children. The Program represents the first pediatric program in Canada that focuses on physical activity and sport-based recommendations for children with heart disease. Visit their website at hopeforhearts.ca to learn more.
