Advanced Island Care Inc

15/02/2026

🫀 Congenital Heart Defects Awareness: Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) 🫀

We’ve reached the most common congenital heart defect in our countdown: Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).

🔹 VSD occurs in about 1 in 240 babies born in the U.S.
🔹 It accounts for 20-30% of all congenital heart defects.
🔹 Small VSDs may close on their own, but larger defects can lead to heart failure, lung problems, and developmental delays if untreated.

VSD is a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). This allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, making the heart work harder. Symptoms depend on the size of the defect and may include:

💨 Shortness of breath
🍼 Difficulty feeding in infants
💓 Heart murmurs

🩺 Treatment options:
✔️ Small VSDs may close naturally.
✔️ Larger VSDs may require medication, catheter-based closure, or open-heart surgery to prevent complications.

💙 Help spread awareness by sharing this post! Thank you for joining us this week to learn about CHDs. Together, we can make a difference!



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association American Lung Association World Heart

14/02/2026

🫀 Congenital Heart Defects Awareness: Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) 🫀

Next in our countdown of the 7 most common congenital heart defects is Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), a condition where a hole exists between the heart’s upper chambers (atria).

🔹 ASD occurs in about 1 in 1,859 babies born in the U.S.
🔹 It accounts for about 10% of all congenital heart defects.
🔹 Small ASDs may close on their own, but larger defects can lead to heart failure, stroke, or arrhythmias later in life if untreated.

This hole allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, making the heart work harder. Many children with ASD have no symptoms, but larger defects can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart palpitations.

🩺 Treatment options:
✔️ Small ASDs may close naturally.
✔️ Larger ASDs may require a catheter procedure or open-heart surgery to prevent complications.

💙 Help spread awareness by sharing this post! Stay tuned as we continue our CHD series.



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association American Lung Association World Heart

13/02/2026

🫀 Congenital Heart Defects Awareness: Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) 🫀

Continuing our countdown of the 7 most common congenital heart defects, today we’re highlighting Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).

🔸️ PDA occurs in about 1 in 2,000 full-term babies but is more common in premature infants.
🔸️ It accounts for 5-10% of all congenital heart defects.
🔸️ If left untreated, PDA can lead to heart failure, lung problems, or high blood pressure in the lungs.

Before birth, a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the lungs. After birth, this vessel should close on its own. In PDA, it remains open, causing abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Treatment depends on size:
🍼 Small PDAs may close on their own.
💊 Medication can help premature babies.
🩺 Large PDAs may require a catheter procedure or surgery.

❤️ Help spread awareness by sharing this post! Stay tuned for more CHD facts this week.



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association American Lung Association World Heart

12/02/2026

🫀 Congenital Heart Defects Awareness: Tetralogy of Fallot 🫀

Next on our countdown of the 7 most common congenital heart defects is Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a complex CHD that includes four heart defects in one.

🔹 TOF occurs in about 1 in 2,500 newborns.
🔹 It accounts for about 7-10% of all congenital heart defects.
🔹 Babies with TOF may have low oxygen levels, causing a bluish tint to the skin (cyanosis).

TOF consists of:
1️⃣ Pulmonary stenosis – Narrowing of the pulmonary valve
2️⃣ Ventricular septal defect (VSD) – A hole between the heart’s lower chambers
3️⃣ Overriding aorta – The aorta is positioned over both ventricles instead of just the left
4️⃣ Right ventricular hypertrophy – Thickening of the right ventricle due to overwork

Surgery is required early in life, and with proper treatment, most individuals live full and active lives! 💙

Help spread awareness by sharing this post! Stay tuned for more CHD facts this week.



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association American Lung Association World Heart

11/02/2026

🫀 Congenital Heart Defects Awareness: Coarctation of the Aorta 🫀

Continuing our countdown of the 7 most common congenital heart defects, today we’re highlighting Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA).

🔸️ CoA affects about 1 in 2,500 newborns in the U.S.
🔸️ It accounts for 5-8% of all congenital heart defects.
🔸️ If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke later in life.

CoA is a narrowing of the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. This forces the heart to work harder, leading to potential complications. Early detection is crucial, and treatment may involve surgery or balloon angioplasty.

❤️ Help spread awareness by sharing this post! Stay tuned as we continue our CHD awareness series.



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association American Lung Association World Heart

10/02/2026

🫀 Congenital Heart Defects Awareness: Pulmonary Stenosis 🫀

Next on our countdown of the 7 most common congenital heart defects is Pulmonary Stenosis (PS).

🔹 Pulmonary stenosis affects about 1 in 2,800 newborns in the U.S.
🔹 It accounts for about 8-10% of all congenital heart defects.
🔹 In mild cases, symptoms may not appear, but severe cases can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart failure if untreated.

Pulmonary stenosis occurs when the pulmonary valve is too narrow, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. Treatment depends on severity, with some cases requiring balloon valvuloplasty or surgery.

💙 Early detection is key! Share this post to help spread awareness and support CHD warriors. Stay tuned as we continue our CHD series!



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association American Lung Association World Heart

09/02/2026

🫀 Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week: Transposition of the Great Vessels 🫀

We’re kicking off our countdown of the 7 most common congenital heart defects with Transposition of the Great Vessels (TGV).

🔸️ TGV occurs in about 1 in 3,300 newborns in the U.S. each year.
🔸️ It accounts for about 5-7% of all congenital heart defects.
🔸️ Without treatment, 90% of babies with TGV do not survive past infancy, but with early surgery, survival rates are over 90%!

TGV is a serious condition where the two main arteries (pulmonary artery & aorta) are switched, affecting blood flow and oxygen supply. Early detection and surgery are life-saving!

❤️ Help spread awareness by sharing this post! Stay tuned as we continue our CHD awareness series this week.



Advanced Island Care Inc American Heart Association Dominica Health & Wellness Association World Heart American Lung Association

06/02/2026

❤️ Wear Red Day ❤️
Today, we wear red to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.

🚨 Did you know that heart disease and stroke affect men and women of all ages? Many cases can be prevented with early detection and healthy lifestyle choices.

💃🏻 Wearing red = Raising awareness
🥗Healthy habits = A stronger heart
📢 Sharing information = Saving lives

Let today be a reminder to know your risk, check your numbers, and prioritize heart health, not just today, but every day. Your heart matters. ❤️



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association World Heart

04/02/2026

🫁 Do you know how well your lungs are working?
Shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, or reduced exercise tolerance are not symptoms to ignore. Lung function tests (spirometry) help assess how well your lungs move air in and out, allowing early detection of conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other respiratory disorders.

🔍 You may benefit from lung function testing if you:
• Experience breathlessness with mild activity
• Have a history of asthma, smoking, or lung disease
• Have heart disease or high blood pressure
• Feel easily fatigued or unable to exercise as before

Early testing allows for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, improved breathing, and a better heart-lung connection because healthy lung function supports overall cardiovascular health.❤️



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association American Lung Association World Heart

02/02/2026

👩🏽‍⚕️ February is American Heart Month
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide but many risk factors are preventable. Small, consistent lifestyle choices like staying active, eating heart-healthy foods, managing stress, and getting regular check-ups can make a powerful difference.

This month, we encourage you to:
• Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
• Move your body daily even a brisk walk counts
• Prioritize sleep and stress management
• Get screened early and regularly

At , we’re committed to supporting your heart health every step of the way. Your heart works for you every day, take time to protect it. ❤️



Advanced Island Care Inc Dominica Health & Wellness Association American Heart Association World Heart Federation World Heart

31/01/2026