Download Facts About Cardiomyopathy Versus Congenital Heart Defects

 Facts About Cardiomyopathy Versus Congenital Heart Defects Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) and Cardiomyopathy share some similarities but there are also specific differences. Below are some key points about Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) and Cardiomyopathy (CM). Definition CHD and CM both affect the heart. More specifically, CHDs affect the heart’s structure and/or vessels, while CM affects the heart’s muscle. Both CHD and CM have multiple types with each type affecting the heart differently. Incidence CM is considered rare in children. According to the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry, approximately 1 in 100,000 children age 18 years or younger are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. CHDs are the most common birth defect and affect nearly 1 in 100 children. Causes Researchers continue to study both CHDs and CM to determine root causes. For both, there are a variety of causes as well as many cases where the cause cannot be determined. •
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CHDs usually occur sporadically during pregnancy when the heart is forming, although heredity may play a role in some defects. Children who have certain disorders, such as Down syndrome, often have CHDs. Smoking during pregnancy and maternal diabetes has been linked to certain defects. CM often is an inherited condition that is genetically transmitted from one or both parents. The disease can also be acquired during childhood. The most common cause for acquired cardiomyopathy is myocarditis, a viral infection that weakens the heart muscle. Other causes include cancer chemotherapy, certain cardiovascular conditions and disorders affecting other parts of the body. Screening & Symptoms CHD is present at birth but CM can occur at any stage in life. Both CHDs and CM can present with symptoms that may include difficulty breathing, feeding issues, poor weight gain, excessive sweating or intolerance to exercise. Similarly, both CM and CHD patients can present with no symptoms for years. •
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Some critical CHDs can be detected by pulse oximetry, a non-­‐invasive test to monitor oxygenation, shortly after birth. CHDs also can be diagnosed after a heart murmur is detected by echocardiogram or electrocardiogram. Generally, CM cannot be detected by pulse oximetry. An echocardiogram is the preferred method for diagnosing cardiomyopathy. Treatment & Outcomes Treatment can vary widely depending on the type of CHD or CM and the severity of the disease. A pediatric cardiologist should mange a child’s medical treatment. •
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Some CHDs can safely go untreated or be medically managed with medication. With some CHDs, surgery is needed to repair the defect. Patients may require ongoing follow up care or additional interventions in adulthood. In the most severe cases where the defect cannot be repaired, a heart transplant may be recommended. CM is a highly variable disease and there is no current cure or treatment to repair the heart. Symptoms may be medically managed with medications, and an implantable pacemaker or defibrillator may be recommended for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. A heart transplant may be necessary when the patient advances to severe heart failure. Additional Resources For more information about different forms of cardiomyopathy in children, visit the CCF website or call 866-­‐808-­‐CURE. Additional resources on CHD include: •
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American Heart Association o About Congenital Heart Defects o Care and Treatment for Congenital Heart Defects Children’s Heart Foundation It’s My Heart Mended Little Hearts Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation
Tel.866.808.CURE ! www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org