Congenital
heart disease, or a congenital heart defect (CHD) is a problem with the
structure of the ticker present at birth, which can affect the heart walls, the
heart valves and the blood vessels. There are numerous types of congenital
heart defects ranging from simple conditions that do not cause symptoms to
complex ones that cause life-threatening symptoms.
To diagnose
CHDs, doctors use a physical exam and special heart tests. Severe defects are
often found during pregnancy or soon after birth with some of the signs and
symptoms of severe defects in newborns being rapid breathing, fatigue, poor
blood circulation, cyanosis (bluish cast to the skin and mucous membranes). But
the good news is treatments and follow-up care for defects have shown to increase
chances of survival of nearly all children with heart defects well into
adulthood. Many go on to have active and productive lives despite their
condition whereas some need continuous care for their heart defect throughout
their lives.
Before
moving on to the types and symptoms of congenital heart disease, learn more
about “BLS for healthcare providers Kansas City” classes:
Basic
Life Support Classes-
This CPR class is also known as BLS for healthcare providers that satisfies CPR
requirements for all students in healthcare and medical related school
programs, and all jobs in healthcare. The class duration is about 3.5 to 4
hours, and two year AHA certifications are awarded after class after a student
successfully passes a written exam and skills test.
Proper
application of the life-saving CPR procedure can revive the life of cardiac
arrest victim. The procedure comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Always select a certified training site for acquiring training, such as the AHA
certified CPR Kansas City. Classes are conducted through a series of audio and
video lectures and hands-on practice.
Types Of
Congenital Heart Disease:
Doctors
usually classify congenital heart disease as either cyanotic congenital heart
disease or acyanotic congenital heart disease where the former causes low
levels of oxygen in the blood. But the ticker doesn’t pump blood as efficiently
as it should in both types. Babies with low levels of oxygen may experience
breathlessness and a bluish tint to their skin. Babies with adequate oxygen in
their blood don’t exhibit these symptoms, but complications like high blood
pressure may still develop later in life.
Congenital
heart defects can be divided into three main categories including heart valve
defects, heart wall defects and blood vessel defects.
Symptoms:
It is most
often during a pregnancy ultrasound that a CHD is detected. CHD symptoms in
some cases may not appear until shortly after birth, and newborns with heart
defects tend to experience chest pain, delayed growth, trouble breathing,
bluish skin, low birth weight and feeding difficulties. Alternatively, CHD
symptoms may not appear until many years after birth. Symptoms, if they develop
may include trouble breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, fainting,
swelling and dizziness.
Treatment
Options:
1. Medications
2. Implantable Heart Devices
3. Catheter Procedures
4. Open-Heart Surgery
5. Heart Transplant
At CPR Kansas City, either register for a course
online or call on 913-998-7499.
Comments
Post a Comment