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Congenital heart disease (CHD) remains a pressing health issue in India, with health experts highlighting a concerning number of cases annually. With approximately 200,000 cases reported each year, CHD is a significant medical challenge in the country.
CHDs, defined as cardiac anomalies present from birth, encompass a wide range of defects, from minor irregularities to severe malformations. Dr. Mayur Jain, a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Heart and Lung Transplant Surgeon at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim, emphasized the prevalence of CHD, stating, “The prevalence of congenital heart disease is about 9/1000, which translates to approximately 200,000 cases per year. However, due to disparities in healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, the exact incidence rate remains unclear.”
Dr. Swati Garekar, a Senior Consultant in Pediatric Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, observed an apparent rise in the number of newborns diagnosed with CHD. She attributed this increase to improved detection methods. “Doctors are now more aware of how babies with CHD present to them in the OPD. They often manifest as failure to gain weight or as repeated cough/cold/pneumonia episodes,” she explained.
Common types of CHDs include atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Symptoms in newborns can range from rapid breathing and poor feeding to bluish discoloration of the skin and recurrent chest infections. Older children may exhibit chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.
The causes of CHD are multifactorial. Dr. Swati Garekar pointed out that factors such as maternal nutrition, vaccination status, and exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy play critical roles. She noted, “The state of the mother’s nutrition, vaccine status (like German measles), exposure to pollutants in her food, water, air, skin, and medicines in the first two months of pregnancy are all contributing factors.”
To mitigate the risk of CHD, Dr. Mayur Jain recommended maternal vaccination against rubella and flu, abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy, and taking daily folic acid supplements during the first trimester. He also advised women to maintain controlled diabetes levels and avoid exposure to organic solvents, such as those found in dry cleaning chemicals, paint thinners, and nail polish remover during pregnancy.
With the rising cases of congenital heart disease, it is imperative to enhance awareness and improve healthcare facilities across India, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment to mitigate the long-term impacts on affected individuals.
