Week 3: Congenital Cardiac Disorders

Question 1

What Are Congenital Cardiac Disorders?

Answer 1

Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities present from birth, often caused by improper formation of heart chambers, septum, or vessels during fetal development.

Question 2

Types of Common Anatomical Abnormalities

Answer 2

• VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) – Hole between ventricles
• ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) – Hole between atria
• PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) – Ductus fails to close after birth
• Tetralogy of Fallot – Four defects: VSD, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, RV hypertrophy
• Coarctation of the Aorta – Narrowing of the aorta
• Ebstein’s Anomaly – Malformed tricuspid valve

Question 3

Clinical Signs and Symptoms in Children

Answer 3

• Fatigue
• Cyanosis (blue lips/skin)
• Poor feeding, sweating during feeds
• Rapid breathing / tachypnoea
• Oedema (legs, face, abdomen)
• Tachycardia
• Failure to thrive / poor weight gain
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Polyuria (esp. if on diuretics)

Question 4

Interventions and Medications

Answer 4

• Surgery: ASD/VSD closure, PDA ligation, repair of Tetralogy, valve repair
• Medications:
o Inotropes (Milrinone): Improves heart contractility
 Side effects: hypotension, arrhythmias, headaches
o Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
o Beta-blockers / ACE inhibitors if needed

Question 5

Heart Failure in Adults & Children

Answer 5

Inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet body’s needs
Symptoms are similar in both:
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid retention
• Fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• In children: poor feeding, growth delays, sweating

Question 6

Transitioning from Paediatrics to Adult Services

Answer 6

• Begin planning around age 14
• Involve all care teams and the young person
• Use growth charting, including BMI
• Plan annual reviews
• Coordinate with adult cardiac team, and other specialists:
o Endocrinology
o Special education
o Audiology
o Orthopaedics