Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
Today kicks off CHD Awareness Week as a part of February's American Heart Month. Just a few short years ago, I had never heard of "CHD's", and today I am mother to a CHD miracle!
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So to recognize the week, I wanted to take a few moments to share some information about Congenital Heart Defects and the difference we can make to help save our children.
So to recognize the week, I wanted to take a few moments to share some information about Congenital Heart Defects and the difference we can make to help save our children.
Did you know that congenital heart defects are common?
Congenital heart defects are conditions present at birth that affect how a baby's heart is made and the way it works. They are the most common type of birth defects. In the United States, about 40,000 infants are born with a heart defect each year.
Congenital heart defects are conditions present at birth that affect how a baby's heart is made and the way it works. They are the most common type of birth defects. In the United States, about 40,000 infants are born with a heart defect each year.
Did you know that some heart defects can be found before birth, some at birth, or some after a baby leaves the hospital?
Some congenital heart defects can be found before birth. Knowing if a baby has a heart defect before birth can help families plan for the future. Some heart defects can be found at birth, because they can cause a baby to have bluish tinted nails or lips or troubled breathing. Also, some heart defects potentially can be detected in babies soon after birth using pulse oximetry screening, which is a test to determine the amount of oxygen in the blood and pulse rate. Certain hospitals screen all babies soon after birth using pulse oximetry screening. However, pulse oximetry screening is not required in most states. Other heart defects might have no signs at birth and are not found until later in life, during childhood or even adulthood. If a health care provider (a doctor or nurse) thinks a congenital heart defect is present, the baby can have several tests to diagnose the defect.
Some congenital heart defects can be found before birth. Knowing if a baby has a heart defect before birth can help families plan for the future. Some heart defects can be found at birth, because they can cause a baby to have bluish tinted nails or lips or troubled breathing. Also, some heart defects potentially can be detected in babies soon after birth using pulse oximetry screening, which is a test to determine the amount of oxygen in the blood and pulse rate. Certain hospitals screen all babies soon after birth using pulse oximetry screening. However, pulse oximetry screening is not required in most states. Other heart defects might have no signs at birth and are not found until later in life, during childhood or even adulthood. If a health care provider (a doctor or nurse) thinks a congenital heart defect is present, the baby can have several tests to diagnose the defect.
Did you know that congenital heart defects can greatly affect the finances not only of the families involved, but of everyone?
In the United States, hospital costs for people with a heart defect were about $1.4 billion in one year. Families and the government share the burden of these costs, which means that all taxpayers are affected. Other costs due to lost wages or work limitations can affect families and businesses as well.
In the United States, hospital costs for people with a heart defect were about $1.4 billion in one year. Families and the government share the burden of these costs, which means that all taxpayers are affected. Other costs due to lost wages or work limitations can affect families and businesses as well.
Did you know that people with congenital heart defects are living longer?
As medical care and treatments have advanced, infants with heart defects are living longer and healthier lives. Many now are living into adulthood. About one million adults in the United States are living with a congenital heart defect. It is important for children and adults living with a congenital heart defect to see a heart doctor regularly throughout their lives.
As medical care and treatments have advanced, infants with heart defects are living longer and healthier lives. Many now are living into adulthood. About one million adults in the United States are living with a congenital heart defect. It is important for children and adults living with a congenital heart defect to see a heart doctor regularly throughout their lives.
Did you know that some congenital heart defects can be prevented?
The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Some babies have heart defects because of changes in their genes or chromosomes. They also might be caused by a mix of genes and other risk factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Birth Defects Prevention Study has found that women who are obese, have diabetes, or smoke during pregnancy increase their chances of having a baby born with a heart defect. A woman can take some important steps before and during pregnancy to help prevent congenital heart defects. She can work to get to and stay at a healthy weight, control diagnosed diabetes, quit smoking, and take folic acid daily. These actions can reduce the risk of having a baby with a congenital heart defect.
The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Some babies have heart defects because of changes in their genes or chromosomes. They also might be caused by a mix of genes and other risk factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Birth Defects Prevention Study has found that women who are obese, have diabetes, or smoke during pregnancy increase their chances of having a baby born with a heart defect. A woman can take some important steps before and during pregnancy to help prevent congenital heart defects. She can work to get to and stay at a healthy weight, control diagnosed diabetes, quit smoking, and take folic acid daily. These actions can reduce the risk of having a baby with a congenital heart defect.
The first step we can take to help these tiny patients is PRAYER. Please keep them especially in your prayers during this week, and check back in the coming days for other things YOU can do to save a life!
.... Because no parent should ever have to see their child like this:
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| December 2008 |
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| June 2009 |
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| July 2010 |
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jenny and I am from Siloam Hospitals in Indonesia. I stumbled upon your blog when I was searching for images on Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). As September is World Heart Day, our hospital would like to build awareness on the importance of having a healthy heart as well as for the potential mothers to be aware of the risks of CHD. Our Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive heart services for adults as well as children.
I am thankful for Zachary's story and I would like as many Indonesian mothers to be aware of the risks of CHD and to give them hope that CHD can be fixed in capable hands. With this, I would like to request for your permission to allow our hospital to use Zachary's post surgery image in our print material, ensuring that Zachary's and your family's identity would remain anonymous.
We would be very grateful for your agreement to our request. On behalf of Siloam Hospitals, I would like to thank you and may God bless you.
Jenny Sophian
e: jenny.sophian@siloamhospitals.com
Website: www.siloamhospitals.com