Understanding Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Introduction
Welcome to the video! Today, we’ll explore Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)-a condition present at birth that affects the heart’s structure and function.
Unlike cyanotic heart disease, where oxygen levels are low, acyanotic CHD allows oxygen-rich blood to circulate properly, but the heart still faces defects that can lead to complications.
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What is Congenital Heart Disease?
CHD is a group of heart defects present at birth that affect normal heart function.
It can be broadly categorized into cyanotic and acyanotic heart defects.
Acyanotic CHD includes conditions where there is no significant mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
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Types of Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease
Acyanotic CHDs are divided into two main categories:
1. Left-to-Right Shunt Defects (Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow):
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole between the heart’s upper chambers (atria).
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole between the lower chambers (ventricles).
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): A persistent fetal blood vessel that should close after birth.
Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD): A combination of defects affecting the septum and valves.
2. Obstructive Lesions (Restricted Blood Flow):
Pulmonary Stenosis (PS): Narrowing of the pulmonary valve or artery.
Aortic Stenosis (AS): Narrowing of the aortic valve, making it harder for blood to exit the heart.
Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA): A narrowing in the aorta that obstructs blood flow.
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Causes & Risk Factors
Genetic Factors: Some cases are linked to genetic syndromes like Down syndrome.
Maternal Conditions: Diabetes, rubella infection, or medication use during pregnancy.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to harmful chemicals or lack of prenatal care.
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Symptoms of Acyanotic CHD
Mild to Moderate Symptoms: Fatigue, rapid breathing, difficulty feeding, poor weight gain.
Severe Symptoms: Heart murmur, frequent lung infections, and high blood pressure in severe cases.
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Diagnosis & Tests
Physical Examination: Doctors listen for heart murmurs.
Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound): The primary imaging test to detect heart defects.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity.
Chest X-ray & MRI: Provide additional imaging for complex cases.
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Treatment Options
Medications: Help manage symptoms (e.g., diuretics for fluid buildup, blood pressure meds).
Catheter-Based Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques to close defects like ASD or PDA.
Surgery: Required for larger defects, such as repairing VSDs or correcting Coarctation of the Aorta.
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Prognosis & Long-Term Outlook
Many children with acyanotic CHD lead normal lives with proper treatment.
Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist are essential to monitor heart function.
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Conclusion
If you or a loved one is affected by CHD, early diagnosis and medical care are key.
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