Complications of congenital heart disease

 

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

 

Problems with development

Many children with congenital heart disease experience delays in their development. For example, they may take longer to start walking or talking. They may also have lifelong problems with physical co-ordination.

Some children with congenital heart disease also have learning difficulties. These are thought to be caused by a poor oxygen supply during early life, which affects the development of the brain.

Natural intelligence is usually unaffected, but some children often perform well below the academic level they would be expected to reach.

This is due to problems such as:

• impaired memory


• problems expressing themselves using language


• problems understanding the language of others


• low attention span and difficulty concentrating


• poor planning abilities


• poor impulse control – acting rashly without thinking about the possible consequences

Recent research has found that children who have had surgery for transposition of the great arteries have significant problems understanding a concept known as theory of mind (TOM)

TOM is the ability to understand other people’s mental state and recognise that they may differ from your own. In other words, to recognise that everyone has their own set of desires, intentions, beliefs, emotions, perspective, likes and dislikes. In simple terms, TOM is the ability to see the world through another person’s eyes.

An inability to recognise other people’s mental states can lead to problems with social interaction and behaviour in later life.

 

Respiratory tract infections

The risk of developing respiratory tract infections (RTIs) is higher in people with congenital heart disease. RTIs are infections of the lungs and airways, such as pneumonia.

Symptoms of an RTI can include:

• a cough, which can be severe and bring up phlegm and mucus


• wheezing


• rapid breathing


• chest tightness

Treatment for an RTI depends on the cause. For example, infections caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.

 

Endocarditis

People with congenital heart disease also have an increased risk of developing endocarditis. This is an infection of the lining of the heart and/or valves. If it’s not treated, it can cause life-threatening damage to the heart.

Symptoms of endocarditis can include:

• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above


• chills


• loss of appetite


• headache


• muscle and joint pain


• night sweats


• shortness of breath


• persistent cough

Endocarditis will need to be treated in hospital with injections of antibiotics.

The condition usually develops when an infection in another part of the body, such as on the skin or the gums, spreads through the blood into the heart.

As gum disease can potentially lead to endocarditis, if you have congenital heart disease, it is very important to maintain excellent oral hygiene.

It is also usually recommended not to have any cosmetic procedure involving piercing the skin, such tattoos or body piercings.

 

Pulmonary hypertension

Some types of congenital heart disease can cause the blood pressure inside the arteries that connect the heart and lungs to be much higher than it should be. This is known as pulmonary hypertension.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension can include:

• shortness of breath


• extreme tiredness


• dizziness


• feeling faint


• chest pain


• a rapid heartbeat

A range of medications can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension. Read more about treating pulmonary hypertension.

 

Heart rhythm problems

It’s relatively common for adults with a history of some types of congenital heart disease to develop an abnormal heartbeat. This is often a type of heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation or flutter.

With both of these heart rhythm problems, the heart may beat at over 140 beats a minute. (At rest, a normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats a minute).

Several treatment options are available for atrial fibrillation, including medications, surgery and an implanted device called a pacemaker.

Read more about treating atrial fibrillation.

 

Heart failure

Heart failure is where the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body to meet the body’s needs. It can occur shortly after a baby with a severe congenital heart defect is born, or when a previously mild and untreated type of congenital heart disease gets worse in later life.

Symptoms of heart failure can include:

• breathlessness when you’re active or sometimes resting


• extreme tiredness and weakness


• swelling in the abdomen (tummy), legs, ankles and feet

Treatments for heart failure can include medication and the use of an implanted device, such as a pacemaker.

Read more about treating heart failure.

 

Blood clots

Having a history of congenital heart disease can also increase the risk of a blood clot forming inside the heart and travelling up to the lungs or the brain. This can lead to a:

• pulmonary embolism – where the blood supply to the lungs is blocked


• stroke – where the blood supply to the brain is blocked

Medications are often used to prevent, dissolve or remove blood clots.

 

Sudden cardiac death

There is a small but significant risk of people with a history of congenital heart disease experiencing a sudden cardiac death (SCD).

It’s estimated that 1 in every 1,000 adults with congenital heart disease will die suddenly in this way every year.

Identifying people at risk of a sudden death is difficult.  Some heart rhythm problems are known to be high risk of this event and a device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) will be inserted in such cases.  This device is similar to a pacemaker and can deliver a pulse of electricity when required, which should stop your heart going into spasm.

However many people have a SCD without a rhythm problem being identified, so it remains a concern for most people with congenital heart disease.

 

Categories: atrial fibrillation, blood supply, congenital heart, heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm, nbsp heart, pulmonary hypertension, rhythm problems

3 Major Signs Your Body is in Need of a Heart Transplant

 

The first successful heart transplant was done in 1967. Since that time, the procedure has been improved in a number of ways to allow patients to have a successful outcome. Heart transplants are generally done when patients fail to improve after all other medical procedures have been provided, but with good treatment and proper aftercare, these patients can enjoy greater longevity and quality of life. Heart transplants are usually suggested when three major signs are present:

 

1 – Imminent Heart Failure Despite Medical Treatment

Most heart transplant candidates have undergone a number of treatment options to improve their condition without success. In these cases, patients are carefully evaluated to determine if they are able to withstand the surgery and special treatment afterward that is necessary after a transplant procedure. Cardiomyopathy, which causes severe weakening in the heart muscle, is one type of condition that often does not respond to other treatments and may require a heart transplant.

 

2 – Severe Heart Pain

Patients with severe heart pain, called angina, may also require a heart transplant to relieve pain and allow them to engage in normal activities. This condition may be caused heart valve problems that cannot be corrected by other types of procedures. In these cases, medical conditions that could affect the outcome of surgery, such as liver, kidney or lung disease, may be a contraindication for heart transplant surgery. Cardiac specialists, such as those at ICE, Institute of Cardiac Excellence, administer echocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, coronary angiograms and other diagnostic methods that are used to determine the severity of impairment.

 

3 – Heart Arrhythmias That Do Not Respond to Treatment

Another sign that indicates that a heart transplant may be necessary is chronic heart arrhythmias. Although a number of treatments are available to help regulate heart rhythm, such as medications and pacemakers, these may not be able to correct the underlying disturbance. These arrhythmias can occur in both the children and older people. Congenital heart defects in children that have not responded to other treatments may require heart transplantation to allow normal activities. A heart transplant may be the only way to ensure the child is able to live a normal life, free from the disability. Adults with severe arrhythmias must be free of severe vascular problems that might affect the outcome of heart transplant surgery.

 

If a patient has undergone a number of heart procedures and therapies and continues to have severe pain, fatigue, heart rhythm problems or physical defects in the heart that cannot be corrected by other means, a heart transplant may be necessary. Your cardiac specialist can advise you on the procedure, preparatory measures and what you will have to do after the transplant to continue your treatment.

 

Categories: healthy heart, heart, heart arrhythmias, Heart Attack, heart disease, heart health, heart pain, heart rhythm, Heart Risk, heart transplant, Heart Wellness, major signs

Warning: Supplements Can be Very Dangerous for Your Health

Last year, in America, almost 27 billion dollars was spent on vitamins, minerals and supplements, but according to experts, some of them could do serious damage to your wellness and wellbeing.

 

On a recent American morning television show, a senior health and medical editor talked about which supplements were the most dangerous and damaging. All of the products that were mentioned were both popular and readily available in health stores across the country.

 

If you are in any doubt about the supplements that you are taking, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. It is probably a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements anyway, as some can have negative effects, or counteract other medications, and some are not suitable for certain age groups or health conditions.

 

Aconite is one of the biggest offenders, and is generally used for inflammation, joint pain and gout. It can cause nausea, vomiting, problems with the respiratory system and heart rhythm disorders. It can also result in death in extreme cases.

 

Bitter orange is another one that you should be wary of. It may sound like a harmless fruit, but it can lead to fainting, heart-rhythm disorders, stroke, heart attack and even death. It is used for nasal congestion, weight loss and certain allergies.

 

Chaparral is often used for colds, weight loss, inflammation, infections, detoxification and cancer but it can lead to serious kidney problems or liver damage. Take extreme care if you are thinking about taking this supplement.

 

Colloidal Silver is another one to be very wary of. Also known as native silver, it is used to treat fungal infections, rosacea, Lyme disease, psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome and food poisoning, as well as sometimes being used to help treat HIV/AIDS. It can cause serious health problems such as mucous membrane discoloration, kidney damage, neurological problems and bluish skin.

Categories: Dangerous, health, heart, heart rhythm, nbsp, problems, rhythm disorders, supplement, Supplements, Weight Loss

How DNA Sequencing Helps to Explain Heart Disorders

Researchers from Vanderbilt University have announced the discovery of two new genes, which are both associated with heart disorders. Both genes are involved in the coding for calmodulin, a calcium-binding signalling protein, which plays a vital role in intercellular signalling in the heart, as well as other tissues. It has been found that mutations in these genes are linked to early-onset heart rhythm disorders. The findings were published in the scientific journal Circulation, and will help identification of the causes of heart disorders, as well as the development of therapeutic approaches.

 

Many cases of heart disease, despite scientific advances, still have no genetic relation. The discovery of more genes related to heart disorders suggests an advance in the medical understanding in genetic mutations. The lead researcher, Alfred George Jr., noted that this will help the medical profession to understand the cause of and possible treatments to, unexplained heart disorders. In particular, George referenced cases of infants having repeated cardiac arrests without any family history of heart problems. This would suggest that a genetic mutation is to blame. Using advanced DNA sequencing equipment, the team of researchers scanned the protein-coding regions across the genome in these children, comparing it to their parents, in order to identify the mutations. This technique is called exome sequencing, and is valued by scientists everywhere as a powerful research tool. Out of three genes coding for calmodulin, the infants had mutations in two.

 

These specific genetic mutations negatively affected the ability for calmodulin to bind calcium. Since calmodulin interacts with a range of proteins which are essential in maintaining a regular heart rhythm, a mutation that would affect the ability of calmodulin to bind calcium will automatically have a dangerous effect on heart health. Further research could help to identify the causes of early onset arrhythmias, particularly in children, and will hopefully lead to more therapies and treatments being developed.

Categories: genes, Heart disorders, heart rhythm