What are the early symptoms of congenital heart disease in children and how to treat them for free?

Some babies are born with congenital defects, such as heart disease, which is caused by structural malfunctions in the process of forming the fetus' heart. If you find signs of heart disease in your child, you must seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can still help your baby live a healthy life.

How to Prevent Heart Disease in Children

Eat a healthy breakfast: Eating a healthy breakfast can boost your child’s energy level and immunity. It is best to choose foods that are rich in protein and soluble fiber, such as oats, which can lower blood cholesterol and keep the heart healthy.

Shop smart: When you go to the market, always buy 100 percent whole grains or cereals, and choose heart-healthy oils or nut-derived oils like olive, sunflower, sesame, etc.

Eat healthy snacks: Foods low in saturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids are good for heart health, as well as the brain. So, replace chocolate, chips and cookies with healthy snacks and fruits.

Watch your salt intake: High blood pressure is a common risk factor for heart disease, and foods, such as salt, that increase blood pressure levels in the body should be closely monitored. Therefore, avoid foods that are high in salt, such as processed foods.

Avoid harmful foods: Try to avoid foods with trans fatty acids, as they increase cholesterol levels in the body and threaten heart health. Also avoid soda, as it can easily cause obesity and is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Let your kids play: One of the most effective ways to keep your heart active and healthy is through physical activity. Let your kids play outdoors, which is better for their health. You can also use sports to bond as a family.

Regular health check-ups: It is best to take children and adults for health check-ups every year, especially blood pressure measurement. When a child is over 3 years old, his risk of heart disease increases, so it is best to have regular health check-ups.

Early symptoms of heart disease in children

Cyanosis: If your child has a congenital heart defect, it can cause a bluish or purple appearance to the skin, especially around the mouth, ears, nails and lips.

Recurrent lung infections: Because children's hearts are not functioning properly, they are at increased risk of lung infections, so children often have recurrent infections.

Frequent breathing difficulties: Children with congenital heart disease often also have difficulty breathing or increased breathing rate, rapid breathing and snoring sounds when breathing.

Overwork and fatigue: When children are exercising or doing physical activities, they can easily feel tired and exhausted, and sometimes even pass out, which is very dangerous.

The child refuses to eat: In some cases, the baby may not be able to breastfeed or refuse to be fed, which makes it difficult for the baby to gain weight or even makes the baby thinner and thinner.

Frequent excessive sweating: When feeding babies with congenital heart disease, they often sweat a lot, and some even experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

Swelling of the body: Babies who are just a few months old and have congenital heart disease often have symptoms such as swollen legs, abdomen or eyes, which usually does not cause pain.

Free treatment for congenital heart disease

The country has now introduced a congenital heart disease treatment assistance policy, which has been implemented in some provinces. It is mainly for children aged 1-14 years old who have ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary valve stenosis, aortic stenosis, aortic coarctation, pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, and coronary arteriovenous fistula. Part or all of the treatment costs can be reduced. It is best to consult the local civil affairs department or medical insurance department for details.