#chdweek2017

#chdweek2017 may be over but school awareness never stops!

Last day of #CHDweek2017!! We will cover Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome to close up the week. #HRHS Hypoplastic right heart syndrome refers to underdevelopment of the right sided structures of the heart. These defects cause inadequate blood flow to the lungs and thus, a blue baby. The major problem is pulmonary valve atresia (absence). This valve normally opens and closes to let blood flow to the pulmonary artery. Secondary problems include a very small (hypoplastic) right ventricle (lower chamber which normally pumps blood to the lungs); a small tricuspid valve (this valve allows blood to flow into the right ventricle) and a small (hypoplastic) pulmonary artery. Also, the blood flow into the coronary arteries may be abnormal causing damage to the heart muscle. This defect requires surgery after birth to create an artificial connection (shunt) between the aorta and the pulmonary artery to deliver blood to the lungs. There is no cure for #CHD. Children with a CHD will require lifelong care and/or follow up. Second image of healthy heart to compare. #CHDWeek #HRHS.

Amen? There is no "mine is worse than yours" because we all have a hard journey. #chdweek2017

#7 of the Big 7 heart defects: Truncus Ateriosus, TA. In this defect, there is only one artery leaving the heart instead of two. This mixes the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood and causes problems immediately after birth. There is typically a hole between the two lower chambers as well, called a VSD. This defect requires surgery or else it is fatal. There is no cure for #CHD. A child with this defect will require lifelong care and follow up. #chdweek2017 #big7

Which does your child have? #chdweek2017 #chd

#6 of the Big 7: Tricuspid Atresia. In this defect, the tricuspid valve between the upper right and lower right chambers has not formed properly. Instead there is a solid sheet of tissue. This of course blocks proper blood flow through the heart and to the lungs, to supply the body. Babies born with this defect need a series of surgeries to correct this defect. There is no cure for #CHD! Children with a heart defect will require lifelong care and follow up. #CHDweek2017 #Big7 #TA *second image is healthy heart to compare. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tricuspid-atresia/basics/definition/con-20026734

#5 of the Big 7: Transposition of the Great Arteries, TGA. This defect is rare and involves when the two main arteries leaving the heart are switched.This changes the way that blood travels through the body. There are serious complications without surgical intervention. There is no cure for #CHD! A child with this defect will require life long care and follow up. #CHDweek2017 #Big7 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transposition-of-the-great-arteries/home/ovc-20169432

Just in time for #chdweek2017! Love my badge reel! #AnatomicalHeart #CHDweek