CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK

CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK

Every year from February 7th to February 14th, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week promotes awareness and provides education about congenital heart defects.

#CongenitalHeartDefectAwarenessWeek

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defect. According to the CDC, 40,000 babies a year are born with a heart defect. This is about 1% of all babies in the United States. This means that nearly 1 in 100 babies are born with a heart defect. On a global level, about 1.35 million babies are born each year with CHD. Despite its prevalence, CHD research is underfunded due to a lack of public recognition.

CHD occurs when a part of the heart doesn’t develop normally. This can cause a number of problems, including changes in blood blow, poorly developed valves, reduced oxygen levels, and holes in the heart. Some defects are milder than others. Mild heart defects may not require treatment. Complex heart defects, however, may require open-heart surgery. Sometimes more than one surgery, or a heart transplant, is necessary.

Babies born with CHD usually have certain symptoms. These include trouble breathing, poor weight gain, poor circulation, and tiring easily. Babies with reduced oxygen levels have blue lips and fingernails, which is called cyanosis. There is no cure for CHD. However, treatment can greatly enhance the quality of life and add years to a child’s life. Thanks to research and advances in pediatric cardiology, more babies than ever are reaching adulthood.

Types of CHD

There are several types of CHD. Some of the most common include:

• Ventricular septal defects

• Atrial septal defects

• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

• Pulmonary valve stenosis

• Patent ductus arteriosus

• Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA)

• Aortic valve stenosis

• Single ventricle defects, such as double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)

• Some babies are born with more than one defect. For example, they may have a single ventricle with pulmonary stenosis.

For many babies born with CHD, the cause of their heart defect is unknown. Some research suggests that CHD is hereditary. Some CHDs occur because of a genetic disorder. Smoking while pregnant, premature birth, and mothers with chronic health issues, are also believed to increase the risk of CHD.

HOW TO OBSERVE #CongenitalHeartDefectAwarenessWeek

Health organizations, such as The Children’s Heart Foundation, the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association, and Mended Little Hearts hold a variety of events during the week. These events include charity races, heart walks, symposiums, and informational presentations. To participate:

• If you were born with CHD, or have a child with CHD, share your story.

• Give to a heart organization supporting CHD research.

• Learn more about congenital heart defects.

• Wear a red and blue CHD awareness ribbon.

• Read about famous people with CHD like Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys.

• Watch the movie Something the Lord Made about the first-ever open heart surgery performed on a baby with a heart defect.

Share this day on social media with #CongenitalHeartDefectAwarenessWeek or #CHDAwarenessWeek

CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK HISTORY

This special week has always been held in February during American Heart Month.