congenital heart disease of the newborn:
The incidence of congenital heart disease can be estimated at 8 to 10 per 1000 newborns, with approximately half of them presenting symptoms already in the neonatal period.
Congenital heart diseases are considered as structural alterations of the heart or the great vessels that present or potentially have the risk of functional compromise.
Congenital heart disease is a consequence of alterations in the embryonic development of the heart, mainly between the third and tenth weeks of gestation (Madrid, A & Juan Restrepo. (2012).
Clinical features of congenital heart disease of the newborn:
The child may present the following clinical manifestations:
- Heart failure
- Tachypnea (increased respirations)
- Tachycardia (increased heartbeat)
- Agitation
- Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Stunted growth
- Cold feet or lower extremities
- Malnutrition
- Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the lips and fingertips)
- Pallor
- exercise intolerance
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heart disease