Congenital Heart Defects Treatment in India

Babies are often born with structural changes in their heart. These defects occur when the heart is developing in the womb. It could be a simple defect like a hole in the heart or a defect in the valves of the heart, that interferes with the blood supply to various parts of the body. Sometimes the heart defect is a complex one, where a simple defect coupled with abnormal connections of the blood vessels from and to the heart, a major defect in the structure of the heart, etc.

Congenital Heart Defects are usually diagnosed before birth or right after birth. In some rare cases, where babies don’t show any symptoms and grow up, it might be diagnosed as adults during routine check-ups. 

This test measures the activity of different parts of the baby’s heart. It also elaborates on how the various parts of the heart are working.

With this test, the amount of oxygen present in the baby’s blood is easily measured.

The test helps to provide the doctor with sound images of the baby’s heart.

It really helps the doctor to evaluate how well the baby’s heart is growing and if there is a presence of any fluids in the lungs.

This test uses a dye for a detailed mapping of the heart defect in a baby.

The treatment of congenital heart defects is dependant on the type and severity of the heart defect. Some other factors that matter are the child's age and general health. 

Babies may have one or several congenital heart diseases, and the treatment depends on the type of disease. These are generally treated by one or more of the following ways:

Medicines might be prescribed in order to reduce the stress on the heart of the baby.

Some babies have a requirement of one surgery while others need various types of surgeries over a period of months/ years to repair the heart structures. The urgency of the surgery varies from baby to baby as some may need it immediately as soon as they are born and others after some time.

There are some defects of the heart such as holes, that can be closed using catheters by inserting balloons.

Defects in heart rhythms can be corrected by inserting tubes. In some cases, small sections of the heart that are causing problems can be destroyed using radiofrequency energy or intense cold.

Often the last resort, when there are no other treatment possibilities, a heart transplant may be considered.

You can seek help from various sources such as a doctor or from a hospital about the options for CHD treatment in India. Genesis Foundation is an NGO that works for CHD treatment in India, to help kids suffering from CHD. You can have a look at their work and the children that have been treated here.