Taking Care of My Child After Heart Surgery

The most common heart defects are holes in the heart or communications which occur in areas of the heart which are normally closed. Accordingly, they are called atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Other defects include narrowing of heart valves which obstruct flow of blood. Sometimes, as in tetralogy of Fallot—the most common cause of a blue baby— a hole and narrowing of a valve as well as nearby areas of the heart may occur together. If you are told that your child has a heart defect, you should seek a good pediatric cardiologist or pediatric surgeon who will guide you about currently available operative and nonoperative options. Many children with heart defects today after treatment lead long lives with a good quality life. So, as parents you should not be depressed or disheartened.