Who doesn't like the cross-dressing, chaotic, wonderfully random, and completely off-the-mark world of Monty Python? I haven't met anyone who openly admitted to NOT being a fan of Monty Python, and rightly so. However, I won't be discussing this lovely media phenomenon any further. Instead, I will be switching from my normal POTS-related posts to something completely different - congenital heart defects! To begin the post, I will start with some FAQs that will give you some background on congenital heart defect facts.
Q: Congenital Heart Defects? What the heck are those?
A: Congenital Heart Defects, or CHDs, are problems with the heart that are present at or before birth. Some can be detected before birth during prenatal tests, some are found at or shortly after birth in the hospital, some are found after the baby has gone home and becomes very sick. Others are not detected until later childhood, adolescence, or even adulthood. Unfortunately, there are some that are not detected until it is too late.
Q: How come I've never heard of them?
A: That's what the entire CHD population would like to know, as congenital heart defects are the MOST COMMON type of birth defect in every country. They affect approximately 1 out of every 100 babies in the United States, and there are currently over 2 million Americans alive today with a CHD. The first time many people learn of them is when their child is diagnosed. Many awareness projects are underway around the world right now.
Q: So... is a CHD like, a hole in the heart?
A: Not always. "Holes in the heart" are called "Septal defects" are just one type of CHD. There are over 40 different types! They can range from mild and requiring no active treatment, to life-threatening and requiring surgical intervention within the first few days of life. Most of these defects are structural, meaning that they affect the physical structure of the heart and/ or blood vessels leading to and from the heart, but some of them are electrical, affecting the electrical pathways in the heart and the heart's rhythm.
Q: What is the prognosis for someone born with a heart defect?
A: That all depends on the person, the defect, and any other underlying issues/ complications. Modern medicine has made it possible for most people to live long and productive lives; even those with more complex and severe defects. In fact, there are now more adults living with a CHD than children in the U.S., and there are several celebrities living successfully with heart defects: Shaun White, Brian Littrell, Max Page, Jessie J, and Bret Michaels to name a few. Sadly, many other celebrities have passed away due to an undetected CHD or complications (Kirk Urso, John Ritter, and John Glascock are just a few). However, about 50% of complex CHD survivors will have some sort of neurological or developmental disability. Congenital heart defects are about 3 times more common than ALL types of pediatric cancers combined, and are twice as deadly.
Q: How does someone get a congenital heart defect?
A: A heart defect will usually occur during the first few weeks of pregnancy when the heart is forming, oftentimes before the mother knows she is pregnant. They are very different than the heart disease that we typically talk about in society - obesity and lack of exercise do not cause CHDs. Sometimes they can be caused by genetic or chromosomal defects (Down Syndrome in the fetus and Lupus in the mother, for example, can be associated with congenial heart defects). They may also be caused by environmental factors and maternal behaviors (drinking and smoking can cause birth defects, as can exposure to toxic chemicals and substances such as lead, mercury, and radiation). However, the cause of most CHDs is unknown.
**These facts are available from the Children's Heart Foundation (here). This information is only intended to inform and educate, NOT to diagnose. If you are having troubling symptoms, see your medical doctor immediately. If you or someone you know are expecting, PLEASE ask for a heart screening for your baby!
Part Two will be up soon!
Sydney :)
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