01/11/2022
Congenital heart defects are a problems with the structure of the heart that a baby is born with.
Some congenital heart defects in children are simple and do not require treatment, while others are more complex, and may need several surgeries over several years.
Serious congenital heart defects are usually discovered soon after birth, or within the first few months of a baby's life. There are some symptoms that indicate a congenital heart defect in newborns:
-Gray or pale blue pigmentation of the lips, tongue, or nails (cyanosis)
- rapid breathing
-Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes
-Shortness of breath during breastfeeding, which leads to the baby not gaining a normal weight
There are some indications that may appear in older children like
- getting short of breath quickly during exercise or activities
-Feeling tired quickly during exercise or activities
-Fainting during exercise or activities
-Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
Dr. Anas Abu Hazeem
consultant pediatric cardiologist
www.kidsheart.ae/ar/doctor/dr-anas-abu-hazeem/