Introduction

Not all heart problems begin with age.

In fact, for many children, they begin at birth.

Across Kerala, hundreds of babies are born every year with congenital heart defects — conditions that affect how the heart works, pumps blood, or supplies oxygen to the body. Some are mild and manageable. Others are life-threatening if not treated early.

This blog explains the most common heart conditions affecting children, what signs parents should look for, and how timely help — like what Suhrudaya offers — can save a life.

💔 What Are Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)?

These are structural problems in a baby’s heart that occur before birth, when the heart is still forming.

They can affect:

• The walls of the heart

• The valves that control blood flow

• The major blood vessels (like the aorta or pulmonary artery)

Some children are born blue. Others may look healthy at birth, but show symptoms a few weeks or months later.

🔍 Common Heart Conditions in Children

1. 

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart.

🩺 Common Symptoms: Fast breathing, poor feeding, not gaining weight.

Most common case seen in Suhrudaya surgeries.

2. 

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

A hole between the two upper chambers.

🩺 Often mild, but large ASDs can cause heart failure if untreated.

3. 

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

A blood vessel that should close after birth stays open.

🩺 Causes increased blood flow to the lungs, fast breathing, or fatigue.

4. 

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

A complex condition involving four heart defects, often making the baby appear blue (cyanotic).

🛑 This is a critical condition needing early surgery.

“Blue babies” are often cases referred urgently to Suhrudaya.

5. 

Pulmonary Stenosis / Aortic Stenosis

A narrowing of heart valves that limits blood flow.

🩺 May be diagnosed early or later in childhood.

6. 

Coarctation of the Aorta

A narrowing in the body’s main artery.

🩺 Causes high blood pressure, poor growth, or heart failure symptoms.

🧒 Signs Parents Should Watch Out For

Many babies can’t tell us they’re in pain — but their bodies show signs:

• Frequent breathlessness or fast breathing

• Sweating while feeding or crying

• Blue lips or fingertips

• Low weight gain or tiredness

• Fainting spells or fast heartbeat

• Recurring chest infections

If your child shows any of these signs, consult a pediatrician or cardiologist without delay.

👩‍⚕️ How Early Detection Helps

With modern diagnostics like ECHO, ECG, and pulse oximetry, many heart defects can be diagnosed within days of birth — and many completely corrected with surgery.

But timing is everything.

“A surgery at 6 months may save a life. The same surgery at 2 years might be too late.” — Pediatric Cardiologist, Kozhikode

💓 How Suhrudaya Steps In

• Accepts referrals for urgent and complex cases

• Connects families to partner hospitals like Aster MIMS

• Funds surgery completely or partially based on need

• Offers post-op support, medicine, and follow-ups

🔗 Learn More About Suhrudaya

Closing Note

A baby’s heartbeat is fragile, but with the right care, it becomes strong and steady for a lifetime.

Understanding the conditions that affect children’s hearts is the first step in saving them. The second is acting early — and together.