Phone
+264 81 329 6489
info@nrchears.org
Location
Windhoek, Namibia
Congenital heart disease
What is Congenital Heart Disease?
Congenital heart disease, or CHD, refers to heart conditions that are present from birth. These conditions affect the structure of the heart or the way blood flows through the heart and body.
CHD can range from mild conditions that require monitoring to severe conditions that require urgent treatment, procedures or surgery.
A baby may need urgent assessment if they have:
* Blue lips, tongue or nails
* Fast or difficult breathing
* Poor feeding
* Sweating during feeds
* Poor weight gain
* Unusual tiredness or sleepiness
* Recurrent chest infections
Older children and adolescents may experience:
* Shortness of breath
* Poor exercise tolerance
* Chest discomfort
* Fainting
* Palpitations
* Poor growth
* Tiredness
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CHD may be detected during pregnancy, after birth, during childhood or later in life. Diagnosis may involve clinical examination, oxygen level testing, chest X-ray, ECG and echocardiography.
Some children require medication, cardiac catheterisation or surgery. Others require long-term monitoring. Even after surgery, many patients need lifelong follow-up.
Children and adults living with CHD should remain connected to cardiac care. Families should understand the diagnosis, warning signs, medication, exercise advice, school needs, pregnancy considerations and follow-up appointments.
We bring together patients, families, healthcare workers, researchers, policymakers and partners to improve awareness, early diagnosis, treatment access, patient support, advocacy and research.
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Phone
+264 81 329 6489
info@nrchears.org
Location
Windhoek, Namibia
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