Science Letters

Recent Burden of Congenital Heart Diseases and Their Impact on Patients

Furqan Nasir 1, Li Zhong Tang 1, Zeeshan Nasir 2, Birra Zafar 2, Noor Sultan 3, Monica 1, Sinarinzi Pamela 1, Qian Li Juan 1, Jiang Li 1*

1 Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing , China

2 Lahore General Hospital affiliated with Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan

3 School of Public Health, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing , China

Abstract

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is known as series of structural and functional lesions of the major blood vessels and the heart itself during the time period of embryogenesis. CHD is responsible for the 1/3 of congenital aberrations and is the most prevalent type of congenital anomalies. The most commonly stated incidences of CHDs in the United States range between 4-10/1,000 with a clustering of approximately 8/1,000 live births. Global disparities in CHD incidence have been reported from 6.9/1000 to 9.3/1000 in Europe and Asia, respectively. International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 has enlisted 25 CHD subgroups, out of which 21 specify particular structural or hemodynamic defects. CHD is usually categorized into isolated type and syndrome type. Antenatal screening for CHDs comprises of ultrasonography during the second trimester of gravidity and postpartum clinical examination; although, detection rates are not high. Prior detection of CHDs is vital because clinical manifestation and worsening of symptoms may be abrupt and few responsive to treatment CHDs may lead to death before the proper diagnosis. The medical and surgical treatment of CHDs has remarkably ameliorated over the previous 50 years. Unfortunately, long-term survival has been attained at a high price, because patients endure late health issues, of which arrhythmias and heart failure are the most conspicuous. The purpose of this article is to present the latest information on etiology, incidence, and morphology, findings on physical examination, diagnostic imaging modalities, medical and surgical treatment approaches with their pros and cons, and survival rates of CHDs in patients.