TOOTH-FRIENDLY NUTRITION: HOW IT WORKS!

At least once a year - that's how often we should go to the dentist and check for caries and Co. Our nutritional habits help us prevent change.


health-teeth-food

Brushing your teeth: Please only after 30 minutes

The acids contained in foods soften the tooth enamel. After about 30 minutes, this has recovered a bit.

It is best to wait half an hour after eating or drinking before picking up the toothpaste and brush.

Saliva, natural protective film

Have you also noticed that you produce a lot of saliva after eating? This is a natural protection mechanism. Because he washed his teeth and cleans them a bit.

Just snack once a day

Enjoy your ration of sweet rather at a certain time , for example, after lunch, instead of in between. So the teeth come in contact with sugar only once a day.

Food with fluoride

In order to make the teeth more resistant to acids, you often resort to fluoride-containing foods such as fish and table salt with appropriate additives .

In your healthy living pharmacy, you also get various minerals-containing oral care products.

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE IN BABIES - 5 CAUSES & 7 SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS

Are you expecting a baby soon? Or have you just given birth to your little one? Whatever the case, there is something important that you need to know - congenital heart disease. It is one of the most common types of birth defects. CHD in babies can be dangerous. Read on to find out more.



congenital-heart-disease-in-babies


What is CHD in babies?

Congenital heart disease is a condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally structured heart and may also have large blood vessels. This may include conditions in which certain parts of the heart are absent or improperly developed, or have certain parts of the heart that have narrow or leaky chambers.

A heart defect is a congenital malformation of the heart or large blood vessels. It is caused by a disturbance of the heart during the embryonic development of the child. The exact cause can not be determined in about 90 percent of affected children. About 8 percent is based on a genetic defect, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Other causes may be, for example, rubella infection or heavy consumption of alcohol  and medication in early pregnancy.

Causes of CHD in babies

Currently, no obvious cause of congenital heart disease has been identified. However, there are several factors known to significantly increase the risk of this disease. Some of them are:

1. Down Syndrome
This genetic disorder affects the baby's normal physical development and often causes learning difficulties.

2. Infections
Certain infections in the mother during pregnancy, such As rubella, can also increase the risk of congenital heart defects in the baby.

3. Other complications
Poor mother control over existing health conditions, such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, could also significantly increase the risk of congenital heart defects in the baby.

4. Chromosomal abnormality
Many scientists also accuse congenital heart defects for chromosome disorders and individual genetic defects.

5. Environmental factors
Certain environmental factors, in particular maternal diseases such as depression, may also affect the risk of congenital heart defects in infants.


Common heart defects

Some common heart defects that can be classified as congenital heart disease are:

1. Aortic stenosis
In this condition, the aortic valve is stiffened and has a narrow opening that loads the heart.

2. Atrial septal defect
This condition is basically a hole in the wall separating the left and right atria, allowing additional blood flow.

3. Atrioventricular Canal Defect
This condition is characterized by a poorly shaped central area of ​​the heart.

4. Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
In this condition, the left structures of the heart tend to be underdeveloped and can not adequately pump the blood to the whole body.

5.Pulmonary stenosis
In this condition, the pulmonary valve tends to become stiff, which narrows the opening, causing increased stress on the right side of the heart.

6. Fallot Tetralogy
This condition is actually a combination of 4 heart defects - right ventricular thickening, pulmonary stenosis, a hole in the lower chambers of the heart, and an aorta that receives blood from both the left and right ventricles.

Signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease

Many congenital heart defects are diagnosed when an ultrasound scan is performed during pregnancy (usually at the week); In some cases, however, they are not found even after the birth of the baby. And in rare cases they are not detected even after reaching adulthood.

In most babies and toddlers, congenital heart disease presents the following signs and symptoms, which may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

  • fast heartbeat
  • breathing problem
  • chest pain
  • extreme tiredness
  • excessive sweating
  • bluish complexion on the skin
  • bad diet

Many babies with congenital heart disease may not require specific treatment. For acute symptoms, resuscitation may be required. Severe disorders that negatively affect blood circulation may require surgical correction.

Congenital heart disease in infants is a serious condition. Therefore, it is important that you undergo a preliminary examination during pregnancy and maintain a healthy diet to reduce the risk.

Alternative Treatment

How a congenital heart defect is treated depends on the severity, age and health of the child. About 80 percent of those affected are operated on or treated with interventional therapy with a heart catheter. In the case of very severe heart defects, the children often have to be operated on in their infancy and are later treated medically. About 20 percent of children do not need surgery.

With the advances of modern medicine, surgeries in the womb are another way of treating a heart defect. In the minimally inverse form of fetal surgery, a so-called fetoscope is inserted through a small hole in the abdominal wall of the pregnant woman. Compared to open fetal surgery, this minimally inversive method is gentler for both mother and child as it requires only a small incision and keeps the unborn child in the protective womb. So far, there are only a few centers in Germany that specialize in this treatment.

Prenatal diagnosis is very important
Heart defects are among the most common congenital malformations in the child: Of 100 newborns, a child with a heart defect is born. It is estimated that around 600 babies with a heart disease are born each year in Switzerland. They are sometimes diagnosed in the womb or immediately after birth. But a heart defect can also go undetected for years.

Different shapes

There are a variety of congenital heart defects that can vary in severity: ranging from simple defects that usually require no treatment, to moderate and severe heart defects that require surgical treatment or death.

At 31 percent, the so-called ventricular septal defect (a hole in the septum between the two chambers of the heart) is one of the most common congenital heart defects in children. While minor defects usually do not cause discomfort, larger ones can lead to heart failure with rapid breathing, lung infection and growth disorders. Depending on the severity of the Ventrikelseptumsdefektes appropriate therapy, for example by medication or surgery, is necessary. But heart valve defects or reversed vessels are among the congenital heart defects in children.

These symptoms can occur

First signs of a heart defect can be an accelerated breathing and drinking problems in the infant. The infant does not drink much and therefore does not gain much. Particularly striking is the so-called cyanosis (blue addiction), in which the skin and mucous membranes of the infant turn blue. The cause of cyanosis is a lack of oxygen in the blood. Other symptoms of heart failure can be a fast heartbeat. In older children, constant tiredness and sweating at low stress can be signs. Children with mild malformations of the heart show virtually no symptoms.

Diagnosis

Due to the very good development of prenatal diagnosis, malformations of the heart can often be detected in the womb as early as the 20th week of pregnancy with an ultrasound examination. Thus, the baby can be ensured of optimal care in a special clinic immediately after birth.

As a rule, however, these defects are only recognized after birth if a characteristic heart murmur occurs during the initial examination. Or the pediatrician notices the heart defect in his regular examinations. In case of suspicion, the affected child is referred to a specialist or a specialist clinic, which can diagnose a possible heart defect with various methods. In addition to ECG and ultrasound, the cardiac catheter is one of the most important diagnostic techniques for congenital heart defects.

Impact on the development of the child

In Switzerland, about one in every 100 newborns with a heart defect is born. That's 600 to 800 children every year. In the last 25 years, the chances of survival have increased sharply: In 1989 still 20 percent, the number today is less than 3 percent. Today, the goal of the treatment is no longer the survival of those affected, but the creation of a life as active as possible. It is not possible to say in general terms how a heart defect affects the further development of a child because, on the one hand, it depends on the form of the heart defect and, on the other hand, on how the respective child deals with his illness. Various studies suggest that heart defects can have adverse effects on children's motor, cognitive and socio-emotional development.

Therefore, in children with a congenital defect of the heart, it is particularly important to strengthen self-esteem and not to exclude it. Especially in sports activities at school, a healthy middle ground should be found: The affected children should be busy, but not be overwhelmed. It is advisable to consult with the attending physician: he can best estimate which activities the affected child is allowed to participate in.

Most children learn to hear with a congenital heart defect when overburdened on the signs of her body: the first calls then a break when it is too much. Children with a simple heart defect have a good chance of leading a healthy life later. For more serious defects, many patients have to remain in treatment continuously even in adulthood.

Quality of life of children with heart defects

So far, there is little information about how children with heart defects and their families rate their quality of life. There is also little information about improving the quality of life through targeted therapy (eg occupational therapy, psychological support, nutritional counseling). This is to be changed now, thanks to the LISA study "Quality of Life Diagnosis in Children and Families with Congenital Heart Defects - Interventions and Influences of Networking of Inpatients and Outpatient Sectors" launched by the Stiftung KinderHerz.

The Swiss Heart Foundation also informs about congenital heart diseases and their treatment. Further details can be found here

Possibilities of prevention

Although most congenital heart defects in children can not be prevented, there are ways for pregnant women to minimize the risk. In addition to regular visits as part of preventive care, this includes abstinence from alcohol and medication. In addition, women who wish to have children should be vaccinated against rubella if they have not yet had the disease. If the exam identifies a heart defect in the embryo, parents should seek detailed advice to find a suitable maternity clinic where cardiac surgeons work closely with pediatricians or pediatric surgeons.

CONCLUSION

  • 1 percent of all newborns is affected
  • Cause for most heart defects (90%) is unclear
  • Other causes: Genetic defect, rubella infection, drug abuse and alcohol
  • Defects are recognized in the womb or after birth, sometimes only after years
  • Hole in the septum is the most common heart defect
  • Treatment is decided by severity
  • About 80 percent are treated (surgery or therapy with the cardiac catheter)
  • Good chances for an active life

THE NEW WIDESPREAD DISEASE - CHALK TEETH

Almost nobody knew her 20 years ago, and today more and more children suffer from chalk teeth - These are porous teeth where the enamel has not formed properly. The German Society for Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery warns of a new widespread disease.

health-teeth


When teeth just crumble away

The molar-incisor-hypomineralisation - short MIH - affects according to recent studies about 10 to 15 percent of all children in Germany. Among the twelve-year-olds, more than 30 percent are affected by this disorder in the enamel. According to the German Oral Health Study, MIH is now more of a problem than dental caries.

Cause still unknown

The exact cause is still scientifically unclear, it is believed that it is probably an interaction of multiple triggers . Recent research indicates that the plasticizer bisphenol A might play a role in the formation of plastics. Other causes could include infectious diseases, antibiotics, chickenpox, environmental toxins such as dioxin, problems with pregnancy or upper respiratory tract disorders.

The first year of life is crucial

With MIH, incisors or milk teeth are less frequently affected. Most commonly, it shows on the molars, whose development occurs between the eighth month of pregnancy and the fourth year of life. This calcium and phosphate are stored, which harden the enamel. In the case of chalk teeth, the process is disrupted, leaving the enamel soft . In the worst case, the teeth are so porous that a part breaks off when penetrating the jaw. The first year of life seems to be decisive for the malformation. Subsequently, several factors seem to have come together for MIH to emerge.

Fluorine can relieve symptoms

Effective prevention of chalk teeth is currently not possible due to the lack of cause. According to experts, prophylaxis is all the more important because MIH teeth are particularly susceptible to caries. They therefore recommend fluoride in particular - in the form of toothpaste, fortified table salt, special varnish or mouth rinses. But above all for the thorough cleaning of the teeth to delay the almost inevitable caries as long as possible. If you notice any symptoms in you or your children, consult your dentist.

BITE POWERFULLY IN OLD AGE

The older we get - the more problems our teeth make us: the risk of periodontitis and dry mouth increases.


oral-health

Doctors recommend: Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water every day. Many older people, however, are far from absorbing this amount of fluid. The result is that the mucous membranes in the body, including in the mouth, dry out. Anti-rheumatic and high blood pressure medicines boost this effect. If there is not enough saliva in the oral cavity, bacteria can multiply rapidly. Then the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and bad breath increases.

Gums on the retreat

Increased bacterial formation is also responsible for periodontitis. The small pathogens settle between the tooth and the gums and destroy the tissue. The result: The gums form back, the teeth start to wobble and fall out. The tricky part is that this disease develops over years and initially makes no complaints. So you do not even notice a periodontal disease.

But you can do a few things yourself to keep teeth and gums healthy for a long time:

Brushing your teeth Access
the toothbrush at least twice a day. Brush all teeth in a circular motion for three minutes, preferably with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Strengthen Teeth
Once a week, you can support your teeth with an extra dose of anti-caries fluoride. In your pharmacy, you will get the right tooth creams.

Cleaning interdental spaces
Using dental floss and interdental brushes, remove food leftovers and bacterial plaque in hard to reach areas. Best used in the morning and in the evening.

Use Mouthwash
For a fresh feeling and to prevent the plaques, mouthwashes are suitable. Use alcohol-free products as they will dry your mouth unnecessarily.

Professional teeth cleaning
Once or twice a year, a dental hygienist should remove the teeth from deposits and tartar. This can reduce the risk of developing periodontitis.

THE RISKS OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES

Risk factors - that contribute to the development of cardiovascular or congenital heart diseases are above all: unfavorable blood fat levels, high blood pressure, nicotine consumption, diabetes mellitus, overweight, lack of exercise and stress.


congenital-heart-disease-risk-factors

In addition to the causes that can be influenced by every human being, there are factors that are hardly or hardly influenceable, such as: familial predisposition age congenital heart defect. All of these risk factors may be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease or heart failure. 

1. Unfavorable blood lipid levels

These can be caused, among other things, by an unhealthy, one-sided diet with a high proportion of animal fats. Doctors also speak of LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)

2. Hypertension

When do you talk about hypertension? Blood pressure values ​​below 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic in an adult are considered optimal. Physicians only speak of high blood pressure (hypertension) when the blood pressure exceeds values ​​of 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic over a longer period of time. A classification of different degrees of severity of blood pressure can be found in the following table.

3. Nicotine consumption

Smoking cigarettes is not only harmful to the lungs but also poison for the heart and blood vessels.

Nicotine stimulates the heart to beat faster, increases the oxygen demand of the heart and has a narrowing effect on the vessels. The heart must therefore pump against increased resistance and thus provide increased performance to provide the body with sufficient oxygen and nutrients. In addition, smoking facilitates the formation of blood clots and thus increases the risk of thrombosis. Statistics show that smoking is a dangerous risk factor for heart attack, arteriosclerosis and stroke. For example, smokers suffer more heart attacks than non-smokers and often recover worse. Also, coronary heart disease occurs much more often among smokers.

4. Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (Greek for "honey-sweet flow" and popularly called "diabetes") is a chronic metabolic disorder.

Glucose (simple sugar = glucose) is one of the carbohydrates and is the most important source of energy for the organism. Glucose is an important component of food and is obtained through the digestion and breakdown of carbohydrates eg starch (in cereals, potatoes, rice, fruit and fruit juices). Other important carbohydrate suppliers are cane sugar, lactose and the glycogen contained in the meat.

Glucose enters the bloodstream via the intestinal wall. The blood supplies all cells with the energy donor glucose. The glucose concentration in the blood is normally 60-110 mg / dl. With increased energy requirements (e.g. sports, physical work), a body-own control system ensures that this level does not sink too much. With a higher carbohydrate intake, the glucose level rises temporarily. The lowering of the blood sugar level is mainly caused by insulin.

Insulin is an endogenous hormone that is produced in the pancreas. In a healthy person, this hormone is released after eating carbohydrate-containing foods. It causes the cells to open their locks for sugar. There are different types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes 

About half a million people have this type of diabetes. Cause of this disorder may be a lack of insulin secretion from the pancreas or a congenital or acquired insensitivity of the body cells against insulin (insulin resistance). Both result in insulin not being able to properly handle its transport pickup.

symptoms:

  • extreme thirst
  • frequent urination
  • loss in weight

Type 2 diabetes

This is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism . Due to a disorder of insulin secretion from the pancreas, insulin is missing after the meal. At the same time, insulin can not perform its transport task properly. This disorder is also due to a congenital or acquired insensitivity of the body cells to insulin (insulin resistance). If there is predominantly insulin deficiency in rather lean patients, this form is called type 2a diabetes. Here, the malfunction of the pancreas prevails in insulin production.

Much more common, however, in about 6 million people in Germany, type 2b diabetes occurs. Most of these are affected by overweight people, where the insulin can not work properly - the glucose transport does not work. The glucose remains as too high blood sugar in the blood. In the long term, glucose is excreted by the kidneys, which is noticeable in the urine as uric acid.

symptoms :

  • strong thirst
  • increased urination
  • blurred vision
  • cravings
  • susceptibility to infection
  • itching
  • badly healing wounds on the feet

5. Overweight

Approximately 40% of Germans are too fat. If the person consumes more energy in the form of food than he actually consumes, he becomes overweight over time. Who wants to lose weight, must either eat less than he consumes or his energy consumption, eg. B. by sport or physical work significantly.

Of obesity is when the weight is well above the normal weight. Reference value for the normal weight is, inter alia, the body mass index , which represents the body weight in relation to the body length.

Consequences of overweight: metabolic disorders (diabetes, gout, high cholesterol). The risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, arteriosclerosis, fatty liver, thrombosis, joint disease, gallstones, increases significantly.

What you can do: You should always take your time for the food. Chew well and do no other activities on the side. It is best to take five small meals a day. Always drink a large glass of liquid before eating, which reduces your appetite.

With every diet you should drink a lot. Each diet should be accompanied by regular physical activity. The only sensible diet consists of a reduced-calorie mixed diet of a balanced diet with many fresh products. Unilateral diets are not recommended as they usually cause a lack of certain nutrients, vitamins or minerals and do not lead to a permanent change in dietary habits.

Laxatives (e.g. with senna leaves), dehydrating agents (e.g. algae extract, birch leaves, pineapple enzyme) or detoxification stones (e.g. senna leaves and birch leaves) only lead to short-term, increased water excretion. In the long term important minerals can be lost. In addition, the regular intake of laxatives leads to constipation. A real weight reduction is not the case here. Important is a permanent change in diet , to avoid eating errors in the future and to keep the lower weight.

6. Lack of exercise

An inactive lifestyle is a major factor in causing health problems. In particular, diabetes, back problems, overweight and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension are consequences of lack of exercise.

When physical activity is targeted, people of all ages can make a major contribution to preventing the development of disease and discomfort. For example, regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and reduces other risk factors of arteriosclerosis. Because sporting activities reduce blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels. Sports such as Nordic walking, cycling, swimming, which are operated with moderation, ideally train the cardiovascular system.

7. Stress

Under stress, stimuli are summarized that go beyond the individual perceived as normal level of physical and psychological stress.

Detrimental stress (stress) is negatively experienced because the demands on oneself or those of the environment exceed their own abilities and possibilities. 

Stress factors (stressors) are, for example, pressure to perform, lack of time, lack of sleep, noise or changes in life circumstances such as puberty, divorce, unemployment or relocation. Excessive demands can lead to physical and mental illness symptoms. Because in stressful situations, the body releases more hormones that stimulate physical reactions. Among other things, they increase heart rate and blood pressure and dilate pupils and bronchi. If the stressors last longer, the body reaches a state of fatigue that can have different effects.

Weight loss, sleep disorders, lack of concentration and depression are just a few of the consequences that can spread to high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attack or asthma in the long term. Depending on the setting, stress is differentiated and perceived as follows:

Positive stress

A difficult situation is seen as a positive challenge that needs to be overcome. He expresses himself in high concentration and motivation and is the driving force for success.

Negative stress

A difficult situation is perceived as excessive demands. We feel at the mercy of the situation. There are no possibilities for action. In the long term, this negative stress makes you sick.

Common causes

Noise, sensory overload, mental stress, anger, disputes, illnesses, physical overexertion, performance, competition and time pressure, sleep deficit, events, e.g. marriage, birth, pregnancy, vacation

It comes to the following body reactions: increased perception of the sensory organs, increased release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, pulse rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate rise, sugar as an energy source is released, increased blood coagulation ability, lower blood flow to the digestive organs muscle tension. As a reaction to the stress hormones and the blood pressure change, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Physical stress
  • Psychological stress 
  • a headache 
  • heart problems 
  • high blood pressure 
  • stomach pain 
  • diarrhea 
  • allergies 
  • Tension / cramps 
  • sleep disorders 
  • unrest 
  • irritability

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE DIAGNOSIS

Congenital heart disease - is one of the most common anomalies of development and occupies third place after anomalies of the central nervous system and musculoskeletal system. The birth rate of children with congenital heart disease in all countries of the world ranges from 2.4 to 14.2 per 1,000 newborns. The incidence of congenital heart defects in live births is 0.7-1.2 per 1000 newborns. Errors with the same frequency of occurrence are often presented differently in the nosological structure in patients entering the cardiac departments (for example, a small defect of the interatrial septum and the tetralogy of Fallot). This is due to the varying degrees of threat to the health or life of the child.

congenital-heart-disease-diagnosis


The problems of diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease are extremely important in pediatric cardiology. As a rule, therapists and cardiologists are not sufficiently familiar with this pathology, as the vast majority of children are treated surgically or die without being adequately cared for at maturity. The causes of congenital heart disease are unclear. The most vulnerable period is 3-7 weeks gestation, that is, the time in which the heart structures are laid and formed. Of great importance are teratogenic factors of the environment, diseases of the mother and the father, infections, especially viral, as well as alcoholism of the parents, drug use, smoking of the mother. Many chromosomal diseases are associated with congenital heart defects.

ICD code 10

Q20. Congenital anomalies (malformations) of the heart chambers and joints.

Factors of survival in congenital heart disease

Anatomo-morphological severity, i.e. type of pathology. The following prognostic groups are distinguished:

  • congenital heart defects with relatively favorable outcome: open arterial vein, interventricular septal defect (IVD), septal defect (SD), pulmonary artery stenosis; With these shortcomings, the natural mortality rate in the first year of life is 8-11%;
  • Fallot tetralogy, natural mortality in the first year of life - 24-36%;
  • complex congenital heart defects: left ventricular hypoplasia, pulmonary atresia, common arterial trunk; natural mortality in the first year of life - from 36-52% to 73-97%.

1. Age of the patient at the time of manifestation of the defect (the onset of clinical signs of hemodynamic disorders).

2. The presence of other (extracardiac) malformations increases mortality in one third of children with CHD to 90%.

3. Body weight at birth and premature birth.

4. Age of the child at the time of correction of the defect.

5. Severity and degree of hemodynamic changes, in particular - the degree of pulmonary hypertension.

6. Type and variant of cardiac surgery intervention.

The natural history of congenital heart disease

Without surgical treatment, congenital heart defects occur in different ways. For example, in children 2-3 weeks hypoplastic left heart syndrome, atresia or pulmonary artery (with intact atrial septum) are rare in age, due to the high early-onset mortality in this vice. Overall mortality from congenital heart disease is high. At the end of the first week, 29% of newborns die in the first month - 42%, in the first year - 87% of children. Taking into account the modern possibilities of cardiosurgical care, it is possible to carry out the operation on a newborn in almost all congenital heart defects. However, not all children with congenital heart disease need surgery immediately after the pathology is revealed.

Taking into account the tactics of treatment, patients with congenital heart disease are divided into three groups:

1. Patients in whom surgery for congenital heart disease is necessary and possible (about 52%);

2. Patients with no surgery due to minor hemodynamic disorders (approximately 31%);

3. Patients in whom correction of congenital heart disease is impossible and inoperable in the somatic state (about 17%).


Before the doctor who conjectures congenital heart defect, there are the following tasks:

Identification of symptoms ;

Conducting a differential diagnosis with other diseases having similar clinical manifestations;

the decision of a question on need of urgent advice of the expert (the cardiologist, the cardiologist);

pathogenetic therapy.

There are more than 90 variants of congenital heart disease and many of their combinations.

Symptoms of a congenital heart disease

When parents are interviewed, it is necessary to clarify the timing of the child's static functions: when he started to sit in the crib himself, he left. It is necessary to find out how the child gains weight in the first year of life, such as congestive heart failure and hypoxia, concomitant heart disease, accompanied by fatigue, "lazy" suction weakness and adding weight. Malignant hypervolaemia defects may be associated with frequent pneumonia and bronchitis. If suspected vices with cyanosis should be clarified the timing of cyanosis (from birth or in the first half of life), under what circumstances it is cyanosis, its localization. In addition, if cyanotic defects are always polycythemia, which can be associated with disorders of the central nervous system.

constitution

Change the physique with few vices. The coarctation of the aorta is thus accompanied by the formation of an "athletic" build, whereby the development of the shoulder girdle predominates. In most cases, congenital heart defects are characterized by a reduced diet, often up to 1 degree hypotrophy and / or hypostasis.

It is possible to form such symptoms as "drum sticks" and "watch glass", which is characteristic of congenital heart defects of the blue type.

skin covers

With vaginal palsy - paleness of the skin, with lice with cyanosis - diffuse cyanosis of the skin and visible mucous membranes, with a predominance of acrocyanosis. However, the rich "crimson" color of the terminal phalanges is also characteristic of the high pulmonary hypertension that accompanies the vices with the left-right discharge of the blood.

respiratory system

Changes in the respiratory system often reflect the state of increased pulmonary blood flow and manifest in the early stages of dyspnoea, signs of dyspnea.

Cardiovascular system

In the investigation is the "hunchback", which is bad or left. If palpation - the presence of systolic or diastolic tremor, a pathological heartbeat. Percutaneously - change the boundaries of the relative dullness of the heart. At auscultation - at what stage of the cardiac cycle is heard the noise, its duration (which part of the systole, diastole), the variability of the noise in changing the position of the body, the conductivity of noise.

Changes in blood pressure (BP) with CHD are rare. Thus, aortic coarctation is characterized by an increase in blood pressure on the hands and a significant lowering of the legs. However, such changes in blood pressure may also occur in vascular pathology, especially in nonspecific aortoarteritis. In the latter case, a significant asymmetry of the BP is possible on the right and left arm, on the right and left leg. Drop in blood pressure may occur in louses with severe hypovolemia, such as aortic stenosis.

The digestive system

In CHD, an increase in liver, spleen and venous stasis with heart failure (usually not more than 1.5-2 cm) is possible. Venous fullness of the vessels of the mesentery, esophagus may be accompanied by vomiting, more often with physical exertion and abdominal pain (due to the enlargement of the liver capsule).

Classification of congenital heart disease

There are several classifications of congenital heart disease.

International Classification of Diseases of the 10th Revision. Congenital heart disease belongs to section Q20-Q28. Classification of heart disease in children (WHO, 1970) using SNOP (a systematic nomenclature of pathology) in the US, and with the ISC codes of the International Society of Cardiology.

Classification of Congenital Heart Defects and Vessel (WHO, 1976), "Congenital Anomalies (Birth Defects)" section titled "Heart Pear Abnormalities and Closing Anomalies of the Heart Septum", "Other Congenital Heart Defects", with "Other Congenital Anomalies of the Circulatory System."

The creation of a single classification presents certain difficulties associated with a large number of congenital heart failure types, as well as the difference in principles that can be used as a basis for classification. At the scientific center for cardiovascular surgery. AN Bakuleva has developed a classification that classifies congenital heart disease in consideration of anatomical features and hemodynamic disorders. The proposed classification is convenient for use in practical activities. In this classification, all UPUs are divided into three groups:

1. The PPS is pale with an arteriovenous shunt, i.e. with left-to-right blood flow (open arterial canal);

2. A blue-type veno-arterial vent, i.e. with right-to-left blood flow (full rearrangement of the main vessels, Fallot tetralogy);

3. CHD without discharge, but with ventricular ejection obstruction (pulmonary artery stenosis, aortic coarctation).

There are still congenital heart defects that do not bring their hemodynamic properties into any of the three groups listed. These are heart defects without blood leakage and without stenosis. These include in particular: congenital insufficiency of the mitral and tricuspid valves, the anomaly of the development of the Ebstein tricuspid valve, corrected transposition of the main vessels. Common abnormalities of the coronary arteries include the abnormal discharge of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.

Diagnosis of congenital heart defects

In the diagnosis of congenital heart defects, all examination methods are important: medical history, objective data, functional and radiographic methods.

electrocardiography

ECG is important in the early stages of the diagnosis of congenital heart disease. All parameters of the standard electrocardiogram are important.

The change in cardiac pacemaker characteristics is not typical of congenital heart defects. Frequency of heart rate almost always increases with congenital heart disease due to hypoxia and hypoxemia. The regularity of the heart rate seldom changes. In particular, cardiac arrhythmias in ASD (characterized by extrasystole) with an abnormality of development of the tricuspid valve of Ebstein (paroxysmal tachycardia attacks) are possible.

The deviation of the electrical axis of the heart has a certain diagnostic value. In order to reload the right ventricle, a pathological deviation of the electrical axis of the heart to the right is characteristic (Fallot tetralogy, etc.). The pathological deviation of the electrical axis of the heart to the left is typical of an open arterial flow, an incomplete form of atrioventricular communication. Such changes in the ECG may be the first signs of suspected congenital heart disease.

There may be a change in intraventricular conduction. Some variants of intraventricular blockages occur in certain heart defects. For digital subtraction angiography (DSA), it is typical to have an incomplete blockade of the right leg of the bundle and the anomaly of the tricuspid valve of Ebstein - the complete blockade of the right leg of the His bundle.

X-ray

X-ray examination should be carried out in three projections: direct and two oblique. Assess the pulmonary blood flow, the state of the heart chambers. This method in the topical diagnosis of congenital heart disease is important in conjunction with other examination methods.

echocardiography

Echocardiography (EchoCG) is in most cases the crucial method in the topical diagnosis of such pathology as congenital heart disease. However, the element of subjectivity should be deleted as much as possible.

phonocardiography

Phonocardiography has now lost its diagnostic significance and can only make a few clarifications in the auscultation data.

angiography

Angiography and catheterization of the heart cavities are performed to determine the pressure, the saturation of the blood with oxygen, the direction of the intracardiac discharges, the type of anatomical and functional disorders.

ANTI-AGING FOR THE TEETH

With regular visits to the dentist - at least once a year, you lay an important foundation for the health of your teeth. But you too can do a lot to keep them healthy and beautiful.

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The right brushing technique

For a gentle but intensive cleaning, proceed as follows: work your way through the mouth piece by piece. Mentally divide it into four parts. In each of these quadrants, clean the inner, outer and occlusal surfaces for 30 seconds before moving on to the next. Drive with small circular movements and only a little pressure over the surface - ideally with an electric toothbrush. Interdental brushes are particularly well suited for cleaning the gaps. These are available in different sizes.

Strengthen your teeth

Even as a child we learned that too much sugar is bad for the teeth. Raw food and whole grains, on the other hand, have a positive effect on oral health. Due to the firm consistency, they stress the masticatory muscles, stimulate the production of saliva and strengthen the gums. In order to make the teeth more resistant to acids, fluorinated foods are suitable.

Toothpaste for all needs

Whether for children, for sensitive tooth necks or with whitening effect: the variety of pastes is great. In your pharmacy you will find the right toothpaste for every family member.

CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS IN THE DOG

Problems with the dog's heart need not be acquired - There are many examples that indicate a genetic error. The congenital heart disease is called in professional circles also quite dry aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis or ventricular septal defect - just to name a few. The term covers a large number of possible errors, but they can develop similar symptoms. Narrowing of the blood vessels, pinholes in the heart or even a valvular dysfunction usually fall underneath and lead to noticeable performance restrictions in the beloved pet. About 20% of all heart defects are committed from birth. The remaining diseases are acquired and triggered, for example, by infections, unhealthy metabolism or parasite infestation.


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Heart disease has many facets

As general symptoms show decreasing readiness to play and early fatigue. Dogs that require an excessive amount of sleep without visible occupancy or illness, give first indications. If the congenital defect exerts a strong influence at an early age, this may be an obstacle to growth. In addition, there may be signs of cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes. In addition, the animal quickly becomes short of breath and shows an unusual tendency to cough, despite the lack of signs of a cold. Often, such underlying diseases are overlooked, as they were weak at birth, but can deteriorate over the course of life. The heart bypasses symptoms through increased use over a long period of time and does not reveal them at first. Long-term symptoms such as reduced cardiac pumping (heart failure) lead to the formation of edema in the legs or lungs. Completely unexpectedly, the heart can quit his service and cause a sudden death of the faithful fourpaw. But there is also the possibility that the mistake does not affect too much on the general condition and the family darling a happy and content life is imminent.

The visit to the veterinarian clarifies

Routine examinations such as the regular health check and vaccination appointments at the veterinarian show the first symptoms even at an early stage. An inspection of the animal patient by eye and hand often allows first conclusions. The tapping after the typical, externally visible symptoms such as edema and discoloration of the mucous membranes fall under it. An assessment of the heart sounds with the help of a stethoscope can further fuel the suspicion. However, explicit diagnoses require special medical equipment.

X-ray photograph

Using X-rays, the size and shape of the heart can be analyzed at a glance.

cardiac ultrasound

The ultrasound examination, also called echocardiography in medicine, exposes the structure of the heart. First and foremost, it provides insight into processes within the atrium and the ventricle. Furthermore, it can reveal leaks in the heart valve. Similarly, a thickening of the muscles and changes in the septum in this way can be quickly identified.

angiography

If it comes in blood vessels to harmful changes, they are recognizable by the angiography. A contrast agent is used and must be injected into the bloodstream before recording by computed tomography or X-rays.

ECG

The electrocardiogram measures heart rates and rhythm over a set period of time. The graph of the waves provides information about the condition of the heart function. In particular, dropouts, heart failure and arrhythmia can be identified.

What are the chances of recovery?

Although a heart defect sounds almost like a death sentence at first, it can certainly have a favorable prognosis in combination with the right therapy. In fact, even some birth defects disappear as they occur due to incomplete cardiac structures and improve with age.

If there is cause for concern, medications or surgical interventions may be considered. Similar to humans, it is necessary to have a very precise classification of the severity of the problem. In surgery, direct open heart surgery may be done, but sometimes the more gentle, minimally invasive procedure is possible.

Medications aim to support cardiac function and relieve the circulation. Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce heart stress. By means of drainage, congestion is alleviated by excessive blood volume and edema. Anti-arrhythmic drugs help against arrhythmias and act as a clock.

Based on the many faces that can form heart disease, a general prognosis can be difficult. Slight congestion, but slight changes in the heart structure have good prospects. It becomes difficult when a significant heart failure has already developed. The sooner the heart defect is detected, the better the chance of a vital life course of the dog.