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What is coronary artery disease?
The term "conbad heart disease" refers to problems within the structure of the heart or blood vessels leading to or from the heart. Conbad heart disease is the most common type of conbad malformation in the world and the leading cause of death in babies in developed countries.
Despite the availability of screening tests before or just after birth, many children with life-threatening coronary artery disease continue to leave the hospital without being diagnosed.
In Africa, the vast majority of children with conbad heart disease are not diagnosed early enough because their mothers do not have access to screening tests to locate these life-threatening abnormalities. However, even for those diagnosed in time, access to appropriate medical care is not always available. As a result, children living with conbad heart disease in many parts of Africa die in early adolescence or early in adulthood.
The good news is that if the disease is diagnosed in time, the majority of children with coronary artery disease can be treated successfully. In fact, most make a complete recovery.
What moms can do
In South Africa, factors such as a shortage of specialists, poor screening rates, late bookings and early departure from the hospital all contribute to many children with coronary heart disease. not diagnosed.
If you are a mother-to-be, it is important to play an active role in carrying out the appropriate tests.
- While you are pregnant, ask your doctor for a test for cardiac abnormalities in the fetus.
- Before leaving the hospital after delivery, ask your doctor for a newborn pulse oximetry test.
- Opt for routine examinations of your baby. Ask your doctor to see if your baby's heart is working properly and if heart cavities have developed well.
Important: Do not ignore the following symptoms, all of which may indicate coronary heart disease.
- Skin, lips and / or bluish tongue
- breathlessness
- A fast heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Lack of energy
- Sweat
- Do not want to feed
- Growth retardation
- Hands and cold feet
If any of the above symptoms are present, see your doctor as soon as possible and have them specifically check for a heart defect.
Family support
If your child has been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, it is important to work closely with your doctor to manage his condition. Although surgery can fix the defect, a healthy lifestyle and continuous medications should be part of your child's journey to better health.
To connect and get support from other parents who are making the same trip as you, visit www.facebook.com/BraveLittleHeartsSA. This community initiative connects families with conbad heart disease, using the power of the group to find practical solutions to everyday problems.
Image credit: iStock
South African Heart Association
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