WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT KIDS & HEART DISEASE
Heart disease is not just a problem for the elderly—to a shocking degree, it affects the littlest hearts as well.

In fact, approximately 40,000 children per year (or 1 in 100) are born with heart defects—and recent studies show that some incidents of heart defects are on the rise.

The cause? In some cases, it could be exposure to viruses, chemicals, radiation or other factors. In other cases, it’s inherited. Thankfully, with today’s surgical techniques, doctors are able to correct or improve 20 to 35 different kinds of heart defects. However, even after surgical repair, most of these kids require a lifetime of medical monitoring.

At Heartstrings America, we are the voice of these children. We are raising awareness, raising funds and helping to raise the quality of life for kids who live with heart disease.
We are big hearts helping little hearts. Join us.

Today, Heart String’s signature kite event continues, in concert with many other awareness, outreach and fundraising activities. But while the organization’s presence and influence grows, its mission remains the same: to help improve the lives of children who have heart disease.

IMPACT OF HEART DEFECTS IN CHILDREN

Overview
Information provided in part by Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc.

Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 (or 1 in 100) children are born each year with heart defects. And recent studies show that some incidents of heart defects are on the rise.

Many heart defects are thought to be caused by an interaction between one or more genes and some environmental factor, such as exposure to viruses, certain chemicals, radiation or excessive drinking during pregnancy. Heart defects can also be inherited.

Thankfully, today 20 to 35 different kinds of heart defects can be corrected or improved by surgery. And most children who are born with heart defects can now expect to live normal productive lives. However, even after surgical repair, most of these kids need lifetime medical monitoring.


Common Types of Heart Defects
Information provided by Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a defect of the ductus, a short blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery and aorta. Usually this vessel closes a few hours after birth. If it does not, it is called patent or open. PDA can be corrected by surgery.

Septal Defects are holes in the septum or wall separating the heart into its right and left sides. A hole in the wall between the upper chambers of the heart is called an atrial septal defect (ASD). A hole between the lower chambers is called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Some of septal defects are so small that they will close by themselves while others require surgical repair.

Coarctation of the Aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, the big artery that carries blood from the heart to the body. The severity of the heart defect depends on how narrow the artery is and the location of the defect. Some cases are so severe that immediate surgery is required, but others can be repaired when the child is 7 to 12 years old.

Transposition of the Great Vessels is one of the most serious heart defects. The aorta is attached to the right ventricle so that oxygen-poor blood is carried back to the body. The pulmonary artery is attached to the left ventricle so that oxygen-rich blood is carried back to the lungs. Several types of surgical procedures have improved the outlook for infants with this heart defect.

Aortic Stenosis is a narrowing in the aortic valve that makes it hard for the heart to pump blood to the body. Surgery to enlarge the valve may improve the symptoms of chest pain, fatigue, dizziness or fainting in early childhood. If symptoms continue or get worse, the valve may need to be replaced with an artificial heart valve.

Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four different heart defects: a ventricular septal defect, a misplaced aorta, pulmonary valve stenosis and right ventricle enlargement. Most children with tetralogy of the Fallot have open heart surgery before school age to repair the defects.

Tricuspid Atresia is a missing tricuspid valve that prevents blood from flowing from the right atrium into the right ventricle. Surgical repair and life long medical management are needed for children with this defect.

Pulmonary Atresia means there is no pulmonary valve so blood cannot flow from the pulmonary artery. Early drug treatment and surgery may result in great improvement in heart function.

Truncus Arteriosis is a complex malformation where only one artery arises from the heart to form both the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Early surgical intervention is required.