Congenital heart defects are the name given to a range of heart defects that are present at birth, and affects how a heart would work normally. Congenital heart defects amount to be one of the most common type of birth defects within the United Kingdom.
Tetralogy of fallots one congenital heart defect, and is the one which i have. It is usually diagnosed when a child is very young meaning that surgery can be undertaken to help the heart function normally in many cases giving the child a very good life. Tetralogy of fallots where there are four abnormalities with the heart (Tetralogy meaning four). Although four defects are diagnosed only three are always present. It is not clear what causes Tetraology of Fallots but experts suggest that it is associated with chromosome 22.
The four abnormalities are:
- Pulmonary stenosis: Narrowing of the valve between right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
- Ventricle septical defect: A hole between the left and right ventricles.
- Over-Riding aorta: The entrance to the blood vessel that takes oxygenated blood around the body is next to the ventricle septical defect allow poor oxygenated blood to flow through it.
- Thick right ventricle: The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed pulmonary artery causing the muscle to thicken.
Through out the United kingdom there are many different hospital trusts and charitys that support both the individual and the family and friends. One Charity that does considerable work for all children and families who suffer from a heart defect, is Heartlink; which is based in Leicestershire. Established in 1981 its core purpose it to support the parents and family while their child is in hospital right the way through adulthood. Originally it was a great way for parents to meet other parents who then became a support network for people in similar situations. The charity offers support in many different ways including providing rooms for the parents to stay close to the hospital, holidays for the families and annual events (Christmas party). On the child's first admission to hospital they give them a goody bag which includes a special Walter the bear (with its own heartlink t-shirt), a mug, pen, pencil and car sticker.
Thank you for reading this special and different post in honor of CHD awareness week that runs from the 7th February to the 14th February 2015. Feel free to share this and comment if you want to. Until next time ... Live long and prosper.
