Florida Probate Attorney

Congenital Heart Defects

Posted on 04. Mar, 2010 by Admin in Probate Law, Uncategorized

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are defects in the heart’s structure and heart vessels that are present from birth. These defects will either cause the blood to flow in an abnormal manner or cause an obstruction to normal blood flow. However, with some defects (as in the case of long QT syndrome), the heart’s rhythm can be affected. Congenital heart defects rank among the most common birth defects and they are the #1 cause of birth-defect related deaths.

The severity of the defect will determine the signs and symptoms of that defect. These can range from no outward signs at all to shortness of breath with related cyanosis, pain, swelling, respiratory infections, sweating, poor growth and build up of fluid and blood in the feet, ankles, legs and lungs. These defects can also create certain audible sounds (heard using a stethoscope) that are known as “heart murmurs”. It should be noted, though, that all heart murmurs are not caused by congenital heart defects. Usually, symptoms of CHD will show up in childhood, however, some CHDs remain undetected throughout the person’s life.

Congenital heart defects, in the form of obstructions, include aortic valve stenosis, pulmonary valve stenosis and coarctation of the aorta. More rare types are subaortic stenosis and bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. These obstruction defects occur when arteries, veins and heart valves are blocked or are abnormally narrow. Hypertension or heart enlargement can occur when there is any blockage or narrowing present.

CHD will sometimes improve with no medical treatment or it may be so slight that no treatment is necessary. Usually, though, CHD is a serious condition requiring surgery and/or medication therapy. These medications can include diuretics, which will aid the infant with water elimination as well as digoxin and salt elimination. This will also strengthen heart contractions and slow the heartbeat while removing some fluid from the tissues.

Surgical procedures to repair the heart and restore normal circulation can also be indicated with multiple surgical procedures that may also be needed while attempting to balance the circulation. Patients also have minimally invasive options to surgery through interventional cardiology. Closures are also able to be treated with a standard transcatheter using closure devices that are mounted on balloon catheters.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

For assistance with Social Security cases involving congenital heart defects, consult Houston Lawyer Gerard Lynch, servicing clients in Houston, Plano and other Texas cities.

Tags: birth-defect related deaths, CDH medical treatments, CDH symptoms, Congenital Heart Defects, heart murmurs, Social Security Attorney