Can surgery cure congenital heart disease?

Can surgery cure congenital heart disease?

There is no cure for CHD. Many people have surgeries to repair their heart, however, they are not cured. There may be long-term effects of heart surgery, such as abnormal heartbeats. A cardiologist can often detect problems with your heart before you notice any symptoms.

Do all congenital heart defects require surgery?

Although many children who have congenital heart defects don’t need treatment, some do. Doctors repair heart defects with catheter procedures or surgery. The treatment your child receives depends on the type and severity of his or her heart defect. Other factors include your child’s age, size, and general health.

What are the complications of congenital heart defect?

Children and adults with congenital heart disease are at an increased risk of developing further problems.

• Developmental problems.
• Respiratory tract infections.
• Endocarditis.
• Pulmonary hypertension.
• Heart rhythm problems.
• Sudden cardiac death.
• Heart failure.
• Blood clots.

What are the long term effects of congenital heart defects?

Heart failure, endocarditis, arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension are the most common long term complications of adults with CHD. Adults with CHD benefit from tertiary expert care and early recognition of long-term complications and timely management are essential.

What is the most severe congenital heart defect?

Critical congenital heart defects (also called critical CHDs or critical congenital heart disease) are the most serious congenital heart defects. Babies with critical CHDs need surgery or other treatment within the first year of life. Without treatment, critical CHDs can cause serious health problems and death.

How long can you live with congenital heart defect?

Survival. About 97% of babies born with a non-critical CHD are expected to survive to one year of age. About 95% of babies born with a non-critical CHD are expected to survive to 18 years of age.

Can you live long with CHD?

We estimate that the average life expectancy of these adult patients will be 35 to 40 years for those with complex CHD, and 55 years for those with moderate CHD. Thus, patients with complex CHD believed they would live about 35 years longer than expected, and those with moderate CHD about 20 years longer than expected.

Can you live a normal life with a heart defect?

Many people with a CHD live independent lives. Some people with a heart defect have little or no disability. For others, disability might increase or develop over time. People with a heart defect might also have genetic problems or other health conditions that increase the risk for disability.

How long can you live with heart defect?

Life expectancy with congestive heart failure varies depending on the severity of the condition, genetics, age, and other factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one-half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive beyond five years.

When to have surgery for congenital heart defects?

Congenital Heart Defects Surgery. If you develop a fever, cough or cold during that time, talk to someone on the cardiology or surgical team to decide if the operation should be delayed. You will be seen for preoperative counseling and testing the week before the scheduled surgery. At that visit it may be possible to arrange a tour of the hospital.

What are the risks of heart surgery for children?

Hospitals and medical centers that perform heart surgery on children have surgeons, nurses, and technicians who are specially trained to perform these surgeries. They also have staff that will take care of your child after surgery. Risks for any surgery are: Bleeding during surgery or in the days after surgery.

What are the defects of the heart at birth?

Congenital (kon-JEN-i-tal) heart defects are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. These defects can involve: Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart.

Is it possible to live with a congenital heart defect?

Living with a Congenital Heart Defect. As medical care and treatment have improved, babies and children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) are living longer and healthier lives. Most are now living into adulthood. Ongoing, appropriate medical care can help children and adults with a CHD live as healthy as possible.

How is congenital heart defect corrective surgery done?

Congenital heart defect corrective surgery fixes or treats a heart defect that a child is born with. A baby born with one or more heart defects has congenital heart disease.

Is it possible to have a baby with a congenital heart defect?

Other medical conditions can also raise your risk for having a baby with a congenital heart defect. Congenital heart disease is not usually passed along to your children, but there is some risk. The risk is increased if your baby’s other parent or another of your children has a congenital heart defect.

What makes an atrial septal defect a congenital defect?

Atrial septal defect is considerered a simple congenital heart defect because the hole may close on its own as the heart grows during childhood, and repair may not be necessary. Cross-section of a normal heart and a heart with an atrial septal defect. Figure A shows the structure and blood flow inside a normal heart.

Are there any heart defects that do not require surgery?

Simple defects, such as atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defects, may have no symptoms and may not require surgery. Complex or critical defects such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome may have severe, life-threatening symptoms.