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Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to developmental defects in the heart, including abnormal connection between the heart chambers ('hole in the heart’) or abnormal connections of the vessels going to and leaving the heart.

 

CHD may be diagnosed on the antenatal scan or can present in the first few hours, days or even months of life. Depending on the exact problem the baby may present with a low oxygen level as the heart is unable to pump pink blood from the lungs to the body. The baby will appear blue (or cyanosed). Alternatively the baby may present with breathlessness but remain pink as the heart is having to pump blood harder than normal.

 

The first stage in managing a baby with CHD is find out what the exact problem is. This is done by doing a scan of the heart (echocardiogram). Two of the neonatal consultants have specialist experience in scanning the heart and will perform an echocardiogram if a problem is suspected.  Depending on the condition the baby will either be looked after at the Rosie or referred to the specialist cardiology team at Great Ormond Street Hospital for further assessment  and treatment. Not all babies with CHD will need surgery, but if they do this will be done at Great Ormond Street Hospital. One of the consultants at Great Ormond Street Hospital does a regular clinic at Addenbrooke’s and will see babies on the neonatal unit if requested.

 

 

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

If your baby is born prematurely, he or she may be referred for surgery to close the duct. More information on this condition can be found in the common problems and diagnosis section.

 

Further information on heart conditions and heart surgery can be found on the Great Ormond Street website.

 

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