Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

What is a Congenital heart disease - CHD?

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a structural problem with the heart that exists from birth. These problems, which prevent blood from flowing normally, could be:

  • A hole in the wall of your heart.
  • Your blood vessels may be too numerous or too few, or they may be flowing too slowly, in the wrong direction, or to the wrong location.
  • Issues with the blood-flow-regulating cardiac valves.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Congenital heart disease (CHD) must be treated immediately to avoid long-term consequences such as heart failure, delayed development, and a lower quality of life.

Early intervention can guarantee normal growth and development, lower the risk of life-threatening illnesses, and enhance heart function.

Additionally, it increases the likelihood of a healthy, active life by preventing irreversible damage to the heart and lungs. The results and general health of people with congestive heart failure can be significantly improved by immediate intervention with surgery, medicine, or other therapies.

What are the Common Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease - CHD?

Symptoms of congenital cardiac disease may not show up until later in life or may begin as soon as the infant is born. They may consist of:

  • Blue lips, skin, or nails are signs of cyanosis
  • Excessive lethargy
  • Breathing quickly or having difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue (severe exhaustion)
  • Experiencing unusual fatigue or dyspnea while exercising
  • A cardiac murmur is a swishing sound that could be a sign of Irregular blood flow or inadequate blood flow
  • Hammering heartbeat or a weak pulse

Types of Congenital Heart Disease - CHD

Two primary categories of CHD exist:

  • Cyanotic congenital heart disease is characterised by low blood oxygen levels.
    • Obstructive lesions of the left heart: These lessen blood flow from the heart to the body.
    • Right heart obstructive lesions: These lessen pulmonary blood flow, or blood flow from your heart to your lungs.
    • Mixing lesions: The body combines pulmonary and systemic circulation.
  • Acyanotic congenital heart disease, where the blood oxygen level is adequate.
    • Heart hole: An irregular opening may be in your heart's walls. This may be referred to as a ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, atrioventricular canal, or atrial septal defect, depending on where the hole is located.
    • Problem with the aorta: The primary artery that transports blood from your heart to the rest of your body is the aorta.
    • Problem with the pulmonary artery: For your lungs to receive oxygen, blood must travel via the pulmonary artery from the right side of your heart. This condition is known as pulmonary artery stenosis if the artery is excessively constricted.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Congenital Heart Disease - CHD

Causes

It may be related to:

  • Having genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that are either inherited or occur at random.
  • Smoking, drinking alcohol, or being around secondhand smoke when pregnant.
  • Taking prescription meds for conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol while pregnant.
  • Having an illness during pregnancy

Risk Factors

The risk factors for congenital cardiac abnormalities include:

  • German measles, or rubella.
  • Diabetes.
  • A few medications.
  • Alcohol consumption during pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • Genetics Congenital heart defects appear to run in families, which means they are inherited.

Complications

Possible complications of a congenital heart defect include:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Infection of the lining of the heart and heart valves, called endocarditis
  • Irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias
  • Slower growth and development (developmental delays)
  • Stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Blood clots
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Liver disease
  • Speech issues
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Mental health disorders

Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease - CHD in Malaysia

  • Transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) replacement therapy, a less intrusive option to surgery for valve problems, is one of the developments in congenital heart disease (CHD) treatment in Malaysia.

Congenital Heart Disease - CHD Prevention Tips

Here are a few essential tips to follow during pregnancy to avoid Congenital heart disease :

  • Take folic acid now
  • Stay active and engage in exercise
  • Get early prenatal care, even before you're pregnant
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
  • Obtain the recommended vaccinations
  • Manage your blood sugar levels

Treatment options for congenital heart disease - CHD

Balloon Angioplasty: A balloon-equipped catheter, a minimally invasive technique, is used in balloon angioplasty to unblock constricted or blocked arteries. Children with complicated congenital cardiac problems can benefit from balloon angioplasty.


Cost Start From USD 1271 - USD 9000Explore Options

Heart Transplant: A heart transplant may be required if an advanced congenital cardiac problem cannot be corrected.

Norwood procedure: Children with congenital heart abnormalities (CHD), particularly those with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), in which the left side of the heart is undeveloped, are typically treated surgically with the Norwood procedure.


Cost Start From USD 25000 - USD 50000Explore Options

Fontan Procedure: Children with congenital heart disease (CHD), especially those with a single ventricle, where the heart has only one working pumping chamber, are treated with the Fontan Procedure.


Cost Start From USD 25000 - USD 50000Explore Options

Catheter-based repair: By passing a catheter through a blood artery and guiding it to the heart to implant a device to address the problem, catheter-based repair is a type of treatment for congenital heart disease (CHD), enabling the correction of some cardiac defects without open heart surgery.

Open Heart Surgery: To fix a congenital heart defect, a kid may require open or minimally invasive heart surgery. The particular abnormality in the heart determines the kind of cardiac surgery needed.

Congenital cardiac defects can be diagnosed using the following tests:

  • Pulse oximetry: A sensor applied to the fingertip measures the blood's oxygen content.
  • EKG, or electrocardiogram: This brief test captures the heart's electrical activity.
  • Echocardiogram: Sound waves produce images of the heart in motion. The flow of blood through the heart and its valves is demonstrated via echocardiography.
  • Chest X-ray: An X-ray of the chest reveals the state of the lungs and heart. It may indicate an enlarged heart or the presence of excess blood or other fluid in the lungs.
  • Cardiac catheterisation: This procedure can provide comprehensive blood flow and heart function details.
  • Heart MRI, also known as a cardiac MRI: Produces finely detailed images of the heart using radio waves and magnetic fields. A cardiac MRI is often performed to diagnose and assess congenital heart abnormalities in adults and adolescents.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) rehabilitation aims to aid in healing, enhance cardiac function, and advance general health. Essential choices for rehabilitation include:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation: Personalized programs that use education, counselling, and supervised exercise to increase heart health, strength, and tolerance.
  • Physical therapy: It helps patients manage any physical restrictions brought on by CHD or its therapies, regain strength, and increase mobility.
  • Respiratory therapy: Helps improve oxygenation and lung function, mainly if CHD has brought on respiratory problems.

Medicines for congenital heart defects include:

  • Blood pressure medications
  • Water pills, also called diuretics
  • Heart rhythm medications

Instantly Connect with our Specialists

Doctor 1
Doctor 2
Doctor 3
Doctor 4
Doctor 5
Doctor 6
Doctor 7
Doctor 8

Hospitals for congenital heart disease - CHD in Malaysia

Sunway Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Sunway Medical Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sunway Medical Centre has initiated a comprehensive expansion plan close to its current hospital facility to enhance its ability to provide services to the global market. The new Cancer Radiosurgery Center and Nuclear Medicine Center, which will also house additional Centers of Excellence like the Digestive Health Center and Dialysis Center, marked the completion of Tower C's first phase in October 2016.

Ara Damansara Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Ara Damansara Medical Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Situated at the junction of Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam, close to the Oasis Ara, Ara Damansara Medical Centre boasts a serene, luxurious ambiance.

The Centre has been awarded several prestigious awards such as the Global Health Asia Pacific Awards 2023, Newsweek Best Specialized Hospital APAC 2023, Healthcare Asia Awards 2023, and Malaysian Healthcare Wellness Excellence.

Prince Court Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Prince Court Medical Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Prince Court is a private medical facility in the center of Kuala Lumpur that has 277 individual beds. Our dedication is to provide you with the best treatment possible from the time you arrive until you depart, healthier and happier. We are well-known for our top-notch facilities, cutting-edge technology, and friendly customer service.

Our Services to better your experience

Opinion & Option

We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review

Consult Privately

Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel

Logistics

We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

Recovery

Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose Malaysia for Congenital Heart Disease - CHD?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing Malaysia:

  • Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure: World-class heart surgery centers with highly trained doctors.
  • Cutting-Edge Interventions: Experience with percutaneous heart treatments and genetic research.
  • Comprehensive care: This includes personalised treatment and robust post-operative assistance.
  • Cost-Effective Healthcare: High-quality care at reasonable prices.
  • International Patient Support: Services explicitly designed for global patients seeking CHD treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Congenital heart disease patients' outlook is dependent upon the nature and severity of their condition. Many persons with congenital heart disease (CHD) lead long, mostly every day, and satisfying lives, even though severe cases can be fatal.

Nowadays, 90% of people survive because of improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

Although there isn't a "cure" for congenital heart disease (CHD), most diseases can be controlled or fixed using surgery, catheter-based procedures, medication, or a combination of treatments, which can improve outcomes and quality of life.

To assist a child with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Malaysia, please follow these steps:

  • Consult a specialist: Seek advice from pediatric cardiologists at Malaysia's finest hospitals for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Select a reputable hospital: Select a JCI-accredited hospital that provides modern 3D imaging, minimally invasive operations, and complete postoperative care.
  • Consider International Patient Services: With the help of the MediGence platform, Malaysian hospitals offer language assistance, travel logistics, and lodging to international patients.
  • Understand your treatment options: Treatment options may involve catheter-based procedures, surgery, or medication, depending on the child's condition.
  • Follow-Up Care: Maintain regular follow-up appointments to check the child's cardiac condition and ensure long-term health and recovery.

Additionally, MediGence can help you connect with top specialists and hospitals in Malaysia.

In Malaysia, the success rate for congenital heart disease (CHD) therapies ranges from 75% to 90%, depending on the kind and severity of the illness.

This high success is supported by excellent healthcare infrastructure, trained specialists, and extensive post-operative care, establishing Malaysia as a premier location for CHD management.

Lifestyle changes may be advised if your child has a congenital heart defect to maintain heart health and avoid problems.

  • Limitations on sports and activities: Exercise and sports participation may need to be reduced for confident kids with congenital heart defects. However, many people with congenital heart defects can engage in these kinds of activities.
  • Antibiotics for prevention: Infectious endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves or heart lining, can be made more likely by specific congenital heart abnormalities. Before dental treatments, antibiotics may be advised to prevent infection, particularly in patients with mechanical heart valves.

In Malaysia, congenital heart disease (CHD) can be identified before delivery through sophisticated prenatal screening methods. Comprehensive fetal echocardiography is one of these, often offered at specialised facilities. Additionally, Malaysia boasts robust prenatal screening programs that facilitate early detection of congenital heart disease (CHD), prompt intervention, and improved outcomes for affected infants.

Not all CHD cases require surgery. Medication may be used to treat minor problems, but surgery may be needed to address more serious ones.