Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (SM)
Udupi, Mar 26: An awareness program on Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) that affects young children and new born babies was held on March 23.
The programme was conducted to create an awareness among the parents that if the disease was once detected, the parents should not panic and they must consult the cardiologist immediately and also to understand the necessary steps and precautions.
In a few cases, CHD may not require surgery but if the case is critical, the patient may require surgery and medication. Even though the surgery is conducted on very young children, there are no further complications, and the patient can live a healthy, normal life.
Dr Devananda NS - MS, MCh, HOD and consultant, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, Manipal Heart Institute Bangalore who operated on these children at Manipal Hospital Bangalore was present.
"Learning about the disease and being aware of the symptoms helps in managing such situations more effectively. The cost of the surgery will be around Rs 1.5 to 2 lakhs," he said.
"It is a perfectly curable disease, there are no further complications, and the patient can live a healthy, normal life. Learning about the disease and being aware of the symptoms helps in managing such situations more effectively," he advised
Around 10 babies and children who suffered from different health complexities attended this awareness program along with their parents.
One out of 100 children born alive suffer from heart related issues. Complex issues will need an early intervention.
In the last few months, operations that were conducted for 10 babies, all with complex heart problems have resulted with 100 percent survival.
Congenital heart defects may occur during the development of the heart shortly after conception and can involve the walls of the heart, arteries and veins near the heart. Congenital heart defects may result in disrupting the normal flow of blood through the heart and the blood flow may slow
down, or flow in the wrong direction and get blocked completely.
"Information regarding this disease is nil among the public but all should know that it is curable for a100 %," Dr Devananda informed.