February 14th marks an important day for the world, World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. On this day, we take pause to remember the nearly 40,000 babies born each year in the US with a congenital heart defect and millions more around the globe. This is a reminder that we must do all that is within our power to fight these preventable and treatable conditions. In this blog post, we will look at what Exactly is a Congenital Heart Defect, Signs and Symptoms of CHD and how you can get involved in helping advocate for CHD awareness. Together, let’s honor those affected by CHD by spreading awareness today and everyday!
What is congenital heart disease?
In the United States, congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40,000 babies are born each year with a CHD.
A CHD is a problem with the structure of the heart that is present at birth. These defects can involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart, and the arteries and veins near the heart. Many CHDs can be diagnosed before birth through prenatal tests. Others are not found until later in life.
CHDs can range from mild to severe. Some people with CHDs have no symptoms and live long, healthy lives without treatment. Others may need lifelong treatment to manage their condition. In some cases, CHDs can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
The prevalence of CHD
1.1 billion people live with congenital heart defects (CHD), making it the most common birth defect worldwide.
Despite great advances in treatment, CHD is still the leading cause of infant mortality, accounting for more than half of all deaths from birth defects.
There is no cure for CHD, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, most people with CHD can lead long, healthy lives.
The different types of CHD
There are many different types of congenital heart defects (CHD). Some common types include:
• Atrial septal defect (ASD): A hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.
• Ventricular septal defect (VSD): A hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): A persistent opening between two major arteries near the heart.
• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): A combination of four heart defects that results in decreased blood flow to the lungs.
Other less common CHDs include transposition of the great arteries, aortic stenosis, and pulmonic stenosis.
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Symptoms of CHD
There are many symptoms of CHD, some of which are mild and go unnoticed. Others are more severe and can be life-threatening. The most common symptom of CHD is a heart murmur, which is an abnormal sound made by the heart. Other symptoms include:
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest pain or pressure
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen
• Pale or bluish skin color
Treatments for CHD
There are many different treatments for CHD, depending on the severity of the defect. Some common treatments include:
– open heart surgery to repair or replace damaged heart valves or vessels
– catheterization to repair defects or unblock vessels
– medication to manage symptoms and treat underlying conditions
– lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly
If you or your child has been diagnosed with CHD, work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Living with CHD
February 14th is World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about congenital heart defects (CHD), which are the most common type of birth defect.
There are many different types of CHD, and each one can present different challenges. Some people with CHD need surgery to repair their hearts, while others may only need medication or lifestyle changes. Some people with CHD live relatively normal lives, while others may have more significant health problems.
No matter what type of CHD you have, it’s important to work with your doctors to create a treatment plan that’s right for you. There are many resources available to help you learn more about your condition and how to best manage it. And remember, you’re not alone – there are millions of people around the world living with CHD!
Conclusion
World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day is an important event that brings attention to the prevalence of congenital heart defects around the world. We hope this article has helped you become more aware of what needs to be done in order to raise awareness about these conditions and help those affected by them. By attending or participating in World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day activities, we can all work together towards bettering lives and reducing the impact of CHD’s around the globe.
WORLD CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | February 14 | Tuesday |
2024 | February 14 | Wednesday |
2025 | February 14 | Friday |
2026 | February 14 | Saturday |
2027 | February 14 | Sunday |