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Congenital heart disease/defectsSome people are born with heart defects that may be apparent immediately or not be discovered until years after birth. There are dozens of types of congenital heart defects and in most cases the cause is unknown. In some cases, a genetic abnormality may be responsible or the developing fetus may have been exposed to infection, toxic substances, over-the-counter or prescription medications, alcohol or street drugs. The 3 most common congenital heart defects are:
Some heart defects can be treated with medications to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, rid the body of excess fluid, strengthen heart contractions or increase oxygen content of blood. But usually surgery is necessary. Types of surgery vary widely depending on the defect. Surgery may replace valves, repair major blood vessels or fix holes between heart chambers. In some cases, heart transplant is the only option. Even after heart surgery to correct a defect, medication may be necessary to help the heart function better. In addition, some heart defect patients will require antibiotics before certain dental or surgical procedures throughout their lives. [ Previous page ]
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