Almost 1 out of 100 babies are born with congenital heart diseases which mean near about two Lac children are born every year in India having a cardiac problem. Up to 50% of these babies require an urgent intervention in the first year itself. Children's heart disease accounts for 10% of all infant mortality in India.

Symptoms may initially be subtle but often the parents note that their baby has difficulty in feeding, poor weight gain, breathing difficulty, recurrent chest infections, tires easily during play activity or appears blue. An older child may complain of palpitations or fast heartbeat.

Children's heart diseases include a wide array of conditions. Commonly encountered ones are holes in the heart (ASD, VSD, PDA). Other diseases may be narrowing of heart valves or major arteries (Aortic and Pulmonary stenosis, Coarctation of Aorta) etc. Besides these, some children may appear blue (cyanotic heart diseases).

Children may also have acquired heart problems like abnormal heart rhythm, diseases of the heart valves (RHD) or heart muscles (myocarditis), Kawasaki's disease etc.

With recent advancements, many of these conditions can now be completely cured without surgery using a button like devices to close these holes and extra connections. Balloons and or stents are also used to relieve any obstruction in blood flow. These procedures obviate the need for a prolonged hospital stay and potential ugly scars on the chest. Blue babies usually require surgery for complete correction of the defect.
SPS Hospitals has a complete range of pediatric cardiac diagnostic and Interventional facilities along with surgical backup. Modern cath labs and ICUs with highly trained staff provide complete fetal and pediatric cardiac care for all congenital and acquired heart problems around the clock. The pediatric cardiology team has carried out the several pioneering and complex heart procedures successfully till date.

Timely detection and newer treatment modalities have made successful treatment a reality. There is no greater satisfaction than to see these so called “incurable children” leading normal lives and the smiles on the faces of their parents says it all.

http://www.spshospitals.com/department-of-paediatric-cardiology-and-congenital-heart-diseases.html