liv clinics
Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery
Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery
The most important point in the treatment of congenital heart diseases is to go to check-ups regularly. Families of patients should know that a simple upper respiratory tract disease in their children can turn into a serious problem, and in which cases they should immediately consult a doctor. In Liv Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, congenital heart surgeries are performed with high success rates with the support of an experienced anesthesia team and intensive care unit, as well as an experienced surgical team. Liv Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Team has the experience and knowledge to successfully treat congenital heart diseases.
Congenital Heart Diseases
Congenital heart diseases constitute the majority of heart diseases in childhood. These structural disorders occur in the very early stages of pregnancy, as a result of the normal development of the heart being affected.
What Causes Congenital Heart Diseases?
Congenital heart diseases are seen in approximately one out of every 100 babies in the society. These diseases occur when the holes between the chambers of the heart, the structural defects of the valves between the chambers, the vessels that bring blood to the heart or that take blood out of the heart to the body and lungs are different from the normal structure. Children with congenital heart disease show a clinical course according to the severity of these structural anomalies. Some small holes can close on their own; Such children are followed closely. Severe cardiac anomalies diagnosed with USG in the womb can also be operated as soon as the baby is born.
Are Congenital Heart Diseases Genetic?
Although the causes of the diseases are not known for certain, some viral diseases (such as rubella) during pregnancy, exposure to radiation, congenital heart disease in previous pregnancies or parents, use of certain drugs during pregnancy, alcohol and cigarette use during pregnancy increase the risk. Congenital heart diseases are also more common in some genetic disease syndromes.
How is Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed?
During pregnancy, most of the congenital heart diseases can be diagnosed with "3-dimensional ultrasonography" performed by experienced physicians and machines with high image quality. Thus, medical treatment is started as soon as the baby is born, and if necessary, the patient is immediately taken to surgery and the treatment is started.
What are the Symptoms of Congenital Heart Diseases?
- Palpitation
- Shortness of breath
- bruising
- not gaining weight
- Don't get tired easily
- Bruising while breastfeeding
- Unrest
How Do Congenital Heart Diseases Occur?
Heart disease can be detected in control examinations in some children without any complaints. For this reason, families should pay close attention to the routine controls of healthy babies and children by the pediatrician. In addition to examination and ECO, angiography is performed when necessary, and the diagnosis, severity and treatment of the disease are planned. Congenital heart disease operations can be corrected by performing one operation in the form of "complete correction operations"; They can also be treated as “palliative operations” by performing 2-3 operations at certain time intervals.
What Should Children with Congenital Heart Disease Pay Attention to?
The most important point is that they go to their check-ups regularly and that they do not interrupt their treatment. Because, depending on the disease, changes in blood pressure and changes in heart functions can show sudden changes even in patients who are followed up. In these cases, some patients unfortunately lose the chance of surgery. Families of patients should know that a simple upper respiratory tract disease in their children can turn into a serious problem, and in which cases they should immediately consult a doctor.
Can Children with Congenital Heart Disease Do Sports or Other Activities?
Children do not always realize the importance of illness. Therefore, they strain their effort capacity. Excessive activity can cause heart failure, rhythm problems, and reversal of current in the heart openings. All these can threaten the life of the child.Families should not act without professional help in choosing which activity for their children from physicians according to the type and severity of the disease.