Heart disease can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired, meaning that the disease develops gradually and usually appears later in life. Some heart diseases appear in childhood and are temporary, such as those caused by infections, while others last throughout a person’s life. Some heart diseases are chronic, meaning that they last for a long time or even a lifetime, while others are acute, which arise suddenly and end quickly, with different conditions. The types of heart disease vary from simple to complex. Here are some of the main types of heart disease that a child may have: congenital heart defects, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, heart infections, pulmonary hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and heart tumors. What are the cases of congenital heart disease? Heart diseases that appear at birth in infants include congenital heart disease and heart-related syndromes (e.g. Down syndrome). Infants may develop pulmonary hypertension or arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances) at birth or later in development. Although a family history of heart disease is one reason a child may develop congenital heart disease, congenital heart disease is not necessarily acquired through inheritance. Often, congenital heart disease is the result of some unknown cause during fetal development. Approximately 1 in 100 babies will develop some type of congenital heart disease, and some children will require intensive medical attention until they are 1 year old. About 25 percent of these cases are cyanotic, in which the child has low oxygen levels. Congenital heart defects are most common in children with heart disease. What are the cases of acquired heart disease? Cases of heart disease that may be acquired later in life include: inflammatory heart diseases such as rheumatic fever, Kawasaki disease, cardiomyopathies, and heart infections. Infants may develop arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) at birth or during later development. Acquired heart disease is more common in adults than in children. What can cause congenital heart disease? The mother is more likely to develop heart disease after pregnancy and early in embryonic development, and the exact cause is not known. However, a family history (or inheritance) of heart disease appears to be a key factor in increasing the risk of developing heart disease. If someone in your family has heart disease, your child is more likely to develop heart disease. Another possible cause of congenital heart disease in children is the mother’s experience during pregnancy, which includes, for example: taking some anti-seizure medications and prescription or over-the-counter drugs, alcohol: children with fetal alcohol syndrome often also have heart defects, illegal drugs such as cocaine, viral infections such as rubella during the first trimester, pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, although with proper control The risk of diabetes can be minimized. Recent studies have shown that fever in early pregnancy (e.g., fever due to influenza) increases the risk of congenital heart disease. Another study showed that people living near hazardous waste disposal sites in the 1980s were more likely to give birth to babies with congenital heart disease. In addition, being overweight or obese before pregnancy increases the risk of congenital defects and other abnormalities in children, and maternal diabetes is associated with congenital defects and other abnormalities in children. How is congenital heart disease detected? Sometimes these abnormalities can be detected by ultrasound before the baby is born. Sometimes medications can be administered to the fetus through the mother to help control conditions such as arrhythmias. Early detection of the abnormality may require the mother to deliver the baby early or in a tertiary care hospital to allow for early treatment. Often, however, pediatricians note these signs and symptoms after the baby is born. Can congenital heart disease be detected before the baby is born? Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) is the best tool to check for heart disease before a baby is born. An echocardiogram is usually performed when a potential problem is detected during a routine ultrasound or for cases with a family history of severe congenital heart disease. Early detection of the condition allows for prompt treatment: for example, if an irregular heartbeat is present. There may be nothing that can be done about structural problems, but doctors can at least be prepared to treat the baby as soon as it is born. Not all heart conditions can be detected before the baby is born. Can congenital heart disease be prevented? In general, congenital heart disease cannot be prevented. However, if there are factors in the surrounding environment that may contribute to congenital heart disease, steps can be taken to minimize the risk. For example: the mother should ensure that she has been vaccinated against rubella; women with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or epilepsy should discuss the pregnancy with their doctor in advance so that the treatment plan (diet, medication) can be adjusted accordingly; and, of course, all women should follow a healthy pregnancy code that includes taking folic acid, avoiding drugs and alcohol, etc.