Medics flag rise in birth heart defects

ISLAMABAD:

Paediatric cardiology experts have expressed concern over the rising incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Pakistan, urging pregnant women to prioritise proper nutrition, undergo regular medical screenings and avoid cousin marriages to reduce the risk of heart defects in newborns.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with a local news channel, Head of Paediatric Cardiology Dr Abdul Sattar Sheikh said heart disease is not limited to adults and can affect newborns and children as well. He explained that congenital heart defects range from mild to highly complex conditions, some of which require multiple surgical interventions.

Dr Sheikh noted that serious heart conditions are often detected before or shortly after birth, stressing the importance of immediate medical consultation if symptoms appear to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Untreated heart disease in children, he warned, can hinder growth and lead to life-threatening complications.

He advised parents to seek urgent medical attention if warning signs such as shortness of breath, easy fatigue, bluish or greyish skin discoloration, rapid heartbeat, fainting spells, unexplained chest pain or irregular heart sounds are observed.