Congenital Heart Defect.

I have started this lense to make my contribution towards a human cause -Promoting Awareness of Congenital Heart Defects.

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE ..... a chilling phrase; a lethal constellation of birth defects of the heart that affect millions of newborn infants and children; a killer that claims thousands of lives every year.

A fortunate few, mostly in the developed countries, are cured by the miracles of modern medicine.

Sadly, the vast majority do not have access to treatment; they are forced to lead restricted lifestyles, denied the opportunity to become productive and participating members of their communities.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a more or less random event. The mysteries that underlie it still remain unravelled. The incidence of cardiac birth defects has remained constant - at 7 to 8 cases for every 1000 live births - across time and continents.

CHD - A complex issue

Among heart diseases, CHD is unique for a number of reasons:

CHD IS A GROWING PROBLEM

CHD is not a problem that is going away. While other heart diseases are coming under control, the incidence of CHD remains unchanged. If current trends continue, 20 years from today CHD will become the most significant percentage of our heart - and health care - burden.

CHD IS A NEGLECTED PROBLEM

In many countries, patients with CHD live and die untreated. Surgery for heart birth defects emerged as a specialty in its own right only in the early 1980's. Even today, surgery for CHD accounts for less than 5% of heart operations performed world-wide. Dedicated centers for treating CHD are few and far between.

CHD IS A COSTLY PROBLEM

Most complex birth defects of the heart require multiple procedures for cure. And parents of CHD victims are often young, just starting out in life. Financially insecure, emotionally strained to breaking point, these young families need support and guidance.

CHD IS A LONG TERM PROBLEM

A CHD patient, after treatment, can look forward to living 50 to 80 years more! The path ahead, however, is strewn with obstacles and uncertainties. Late complications; employment and insurance; marriage and children; all are areas of concern.

CHD IS A SILENT PROBLEM

High cholesterol, bypass surgery, angioplasty and gene therapy are the glamorous issues, the media superstars of heart disease. Most of the budget allocations of large organizations are diverted to adult heart disease research. Consequently, funding for research into CHD is scarce.

Recommendations To Reduce Risk of Giving Birth to Infant With Heart Disease

Take a multivitamin that contains folic acid.

Get preconception and prenatal medical care.

Get screened for diabetes. If you have diabetes, manage it carefully during

pregnancy.

Get vaccinated against rubella and influenza (flu).

If you have an inherited disease called PKU (phenylketonuria), which affects your diet, talk to your doctor about proper nutrition during pregnancy.

With your doctor, review any medicines you use.

Avoid contact with people who have the flu or other feverish illnesses.

Avoid exposure to organic solvents, found in products including paints and lacquers.

Neglected, unchallenged, indeed often undetected, CHD pervades communities, affecting the rich and poor alike, in developed as well as backward countries.

CHD Symptoms

Cyanosis: a bluish hue
* Heart Failure: breathless, sweaty, irritable child
* Heart Murmur: on medical exam
* Arrhythmias: rhythm problems
* Rarely none

CHD : The Facts

* Occurs in 8 of every 1,000 live births
* About 3,00,000 Indians born with CHD each year
* 32,000 babies with CHD every year in the U.S. alone
* Atleast 35 distinct forms recognized
* Mortality from CHD is decreasing
* But CHD incidence has not declined.

Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day

February 14th has been observed as 'A Day for Hearts -Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Awareness Day'. Indian heart surgeon, Dr.Mani Sivasubramanian is
using new Web technologies to spread the word.

By tapping into the massive reach and influence of two hot online media - blogs and social networks like MySpace and Squidoo - Dr.Mani aims to get the message of CHD awareness in front of at least half million people in the weeks ahead. Already over 220 partipants in the blog and Squidoo 'challenges' have brought 30,000 visitors to his informative website.

Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day is a global publicity event that focuses attention on the deadly problem of heart defects in kids. The aim: to spread awareness about the problem and raise funds to help children from poor families.

7 out of every 1000 children have CHD, making it the most common birth defect. "Few people realize more babies are born with congenital heart defects than with Spina Bifida, Down's syndrome and hearing loss" says Dr.Sivasubramanian, who is the Chairman of the Dr.Mani Children Heart Foundation, a non-profit founded in Chennai, India, to create awareness and raise funds to sponsor life-saving heart surgery for underprivileged children.

The primary reason for delayed recognition and late treatment of CHD is lack of awareness and knowledge, combined with limited access and resources for costly treatment.

The CHD Foundation addresses the problem by freely making available information about heart birth defects to parents and families, spreading awareness through media events like CHD Awareness Day, and funding expensive heart operations supported by donations from well-wishers and sponsors.

By linking this event to another day for hearts - Valentine's Day - you have one more chance to express your love this year in a very special way - by drawing attention to the thousands of little children affected by heart birth defects."

CHD Overview

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Congenital Heart Defect.

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