SYMPTOMS TO IDENTIFY HOLES IN HEART

Knowledge of a hole in the heart would send jitters down the spine and make an individual feel anxious of possible death in the near future.

However, it would be shocking to know that some infants are born with a hole in the heart (congenital heart defect) of which even the parents are not aware. Usually, holes during birth get closed during infancy or early childhood.  A hole in the heart can prove harmful if it does not close even when an individual grows into an adult.

An atrial septal defect (ASD) can be described as a hole in the wall (septum) between the two upper chambers of one's heart (atria). This condition is present from birth itself but as the size of the hole is small, it does not cause much harm to an individual.

The ASD increases the amount of blood that tends to flow through the lungs. It may become worse as a large, longstanding ASD can take a toll on one's heart and lungs by damaging them. Large defects tend to cause a shorter life span, heart failure in the right side of the heart and abnormalities in heart rhythm.

Symptoms of an ASD include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs, abdomen or feet or heart palpitations. Once you notice these red flags, Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, cardio-thoracic surgeon, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, suggests that the patient consult a doctor.

The heart has one other defect, ventricular septal defect (VSD), which is also a congenital heart defect. Here, the hole is the defect in the wall (septum) that tends to separate the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) and tends to allow blood to pass from the left to the right side of the heart.

The presence of VSD makes oxygen-rich blood get pumped back to one's lungs and makes the heart work harder. Usually, VSDs may not be problematic and many small VSDs tend to close on their own. However, VSDs, medium and large in size, may require surgery for keeping complications at bay.

The symptoms of VSD are breathlessness or breathing fast, tiredness, not gaining weight, or short of breath. In case you find such symptoms, it is better the child be taken to the doctor immediately.

Likewise, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can be described as a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels that lead from the heart. Ductus arteriosus is a part of the baby’s circulatory system which gets closed as it grows.

In case, the PDA continues to remain open, then it is known as a patent ductus arteriosus. This defect can lead to poor eating, sweating while crying or eating, tiredness, rapid heart rate and breathlessness in babies.

A large PDA in infancy or even during childhood can lead to Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition is a combination of four congenital abnormalities. The four defects include a ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary valve stenosis, a misplaced aorta and a thickened right ventricular wall (right ventricular hypertrophy)

These defects tend to affect the structure of one's heart, leading to oxygen-poor blood to flow out of one's heart and to the other parts of the body as well. Those with Tetralogy of Fallot defect also tend to exhibit blue-tinged skin as their blood doesn't carry sufficient oxygen. The symptoms of this may vary from one child to another.

The common symptoms that children may exhibit are bluish skin, rapid and shortness of breathing, unconsciousness, a murmur of heart, crying for a longer period of time and even irritation.

If the child exhibits any of the above symptoms then consult a cardiologist and initiate appropriate treatment. Many children have congenital heart defects and fail to seek treatment at the right time due to lack of awareness. Hence, parents should be watchful of the symptoms and opt for the recommended tests by the doctor that can allow in detection of the defects.

Even adults, who have congenital heart defects, do not seek treatment and this can prove dangerous. So, be aware of the defect, and get it treated at the right time. 

Book Appointment:  Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, cardio-thoracic surgeon, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre