Things to do if you suspect your child has a congenital heart defect

Bringing a child into this world is one of the most joyful and enriching experiences. However, this beautiful journey can sometimes have some speed breakers, especially if the child has a medical condition that in turn impacts his/her growth and development.

A Congenital Heart Defect is one such condition that can bring a certain degree of anxiety and challenges for parents. Congenital heart defects are one of the leading defects that children are born with. They refer to a defect in the heart that impacts the way it is able to function and in some cases the growth and development of the child. In spite of it’s prevalence, not many people are aware of the symptoms and the steps to take if one suspects a problem with the child. There are few Child Heart Foundations in India which are working to build this awareness and provide support where possible.

Timely diagnosis and treatment are the keys to a good outcome for a child born with a heart defect. Hence the steps one takes if they suspect that their child has a congenital heart defect become important. Some of these are:

1) Connecting with a good pediatric cardiologist: as a first step if one suspects that their child maybe showing symptoms of a heart defect, it is suggested to connect with the specialist - a pediatric cardiologist. The pediatric cardiologist will then run through all the required investigations and chart the next steps. It is also advisable, where possible to get a second opinion to ensure that the child is being advised the right care.

2) Gather all the information: getting all information helps in keeping one well informed and hence in dealing with the situation better. Information can be obtained from the credible sources on the internet, doctors, other families who have been through similar experiences. Children Heart Foundations in India also are a reservoir of information and are happy to provide all the necessary information to families.

3) Financial planning: The treatment for a congenital heart defect depends on the type of defect, but on an average the treatment can be expensive. Thus, if you suspect that your child will need to go through an intervention planning the finances is a good step. One needs to explore if there are any government schemes, or any insurance services that can cover these costs. If that is not available parents can reach out to NGO for heart treatment in India that provide financial support for the medical treatment of CHDs for families that cannot afford the same.

4) Get support from others: suspecting that your child has a heart defect can be a period of anxiety and confusion. Getting support and talking to others is a great way of gathering information and knowing what to expect. One can speak to other parents who have children with a CHD. One can also speak with CHD survivors. As mentioned previously connecting with NGOs for heart treatment in India is another way of finding the right support and guidance in terms of what one needs to do.

There are a few NGOs for heart treatment in India which have been doing a lot of work in building awareness about the disease and making access to treatment options easier. Genesis Foundation(link to website) is one such NGO. It is a Child Heart Foundation in India which supports the medical treatment of underprivileged children born with a heart defect. The Foundation work through a network of 35 + partner hospitals and some of the leading pediatric cardiologists in order to this. The foundation is also working tirelessly to build awareness about the disease both to ensure a timely diagnosis and hence treatment as well as sensitise corporates and individuals to this big issue with regards to children’s health in order to get the required financial support. To know more visit – https://www.genesis-foundation.net/