PCHF
WHAT IS CHD?
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the world’s most common birth defect. 1 in 100 children are born with CHD. 60,000 children are born with CHD every year in Pakistan, out of which 25% (15,000) require life-saving heart surgery.
What is CHD?
Commonly called a hole in the heart, CHD affects the structure of the heart and the way blood flows. It can be mild to severe and potentially life-threatening.
What are the signs and symptoms of CHD?
Some CHDs have none. The more common ones include lips and nails being blue-tinted, troubled breathing, lethargy etc.
When is CHD diagnosed?
Some CHDs are diagnosed during pregnancy, whereas some are not detected until after birth or later in life.
What is the treatment for CHD?
This depends on the type and severity of the CHD present. Some children need one or more surgeries, whereas some may just need a non-surgical procedure.
What are the causes of CHD?
The cause in most cases is unknown. Only 15-20% of CHDs are related to known genetic conditions.
How is it, living with CHD?
Children who go through heart surgery can go on to live a normal life. With the advancements in medicine, those born with CHD are now living longer and healthier lives.
Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD)
Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF) is a dedicated organization that aims to provide treatment for Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) in children. CHD is a serious condition that affects the structure of a child’s heart and can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. If you would like to discuss a CHD case, please contact us: