Is congenital heart disease a genetic disease?

Fetal congenital heart disease is not entirely a genetic disease. Its causes include genetic factors, environmental factors, maternal physiological factors, etc. Timely understanding of relevant risk factors and conducting standardized prenatal examinations can effectively reduce the incidence rate.

1. Genetic factors

Some fetal congenital heart diseases are related to genetic factors, especially when one or both parents have heart disease. Some gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities (such as homologous Marfan syndrome or Down syndrome) may be the cause of the disease. If both husband and wife have a family history of the disease, it is recommended to have genetic counseling before pregnancy and assess the risk through genetic testing. The development of the embryo during early pregnancy is significantly affected by the genetic background, so it needs special attention.

2. Environmental factors

The fetal heart is most critical to development during the early stages of pregnancy. Exposure to harmful environments during this period may increase the risk of congenital heart disease. For example, exposure to harmful chemicals, smoking, drinking, air pollution and other environmental factors during pregnancy may affect the normal development of the fetus. In addition, if the expectant mother takes too much vitamin A or lacks folic acid, it may cause abnormal organ development. It is recommended to plan your pregnancy life reasonably, stay away from harmful environments, and supplement with appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy.

3. Maternal physiological factors

The mother's own health status has a significant impact on the fetus. Mothers with diabetes, rheumatic diseases, infections (such as rubella virus infection) or the use of certain high-risk drugs during pregnancy may cause abnormal fetal heart development. It is particularly important to manage blood sugar, prevent infection, and use drugs safely under the guidance of a doctor during pregnancy. At the same time, ultrasound screening in early pregnancy can help detect possible fetal congenital heart disease and develop subsequent treatment strategies.

4. Antenatal examination and treatment recommendations

The key to preventing fetal congenital heart disease is to have regular checkups during pregnancy, such as early pregnancy ultrasound screening and genetic testing. If abnormalities are found, fetoscopic surgery or prenatal intervention can be used to improve the prognosis. After birth, for different degrees of heart disease, drug treatment (such as prostaglandin E1 to maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus), cardiac catheterization therapy or surgical procedures (such as atrial septal repair, arterial transposition, etc.) can be used.

The risk of fetal congenital heart disease is the result of a combination of multiple factors, not just genetic factors. Good preparation before pregnancy, staying away from dangerous environments and regular prenatal check-ups can effectively reduce such risks. If abnormalities are found, timely medical intervention is an important measure to ensure the health of the fetus.