Congenital Heart Defects: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview
Congenital heart defects are structural and functional abnormalities of the heart that develop during fetal growth. These defects can affect the heart’s walls, valves, or blood vessels, impacting blood circulation and overall heart function.

Diagnosis
If a congenital heart defect is suspected, a series of tests are conducted to assess heart structure and function:

• Echocardiography (Ultrasound of the heart) – Primary imaging method for detecting structural abnormalities.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Evaluates heart rhythm and electrical activity.

• Chest X-ray – Assesses heart size and lung condition.

• CT scan of the chest – Provides detailed imaging of heart and blood vessels.

Treatment
The treatment approach depends on the type and severity of the defect:

• Mild defects may only require regular monitoring without intervention.

• Severe defects often require surgical correction, including procedures such as valve repair, septal defect closure, or complex reconstructive heart surgery.

The specific surgical method is determined based on the nature of the condition and the patient’s overall health.