Understanding Congenital Heart Disease In Singapore

Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to a range of structural heart defects present at birth. These defects can affect the heart’s walls, valves, or blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow and potentially leading to serious health issues. In Singapore, advancements in medical care have significantly improved the survival rates of individuals with CHD, allowing many to lead healthy lives into adulthood.

Learn About: Heart & Vascular Diseases In Singapore >>

What Is Congenital Heart Disease?

Congenital heart disease encompasses various heart abnormalities that develop during fetal growth. These defects can range from simple issues, such as small holes in the heart, to more complex conditions involving multiple abnormalities. The exact cause of CHD is often unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

Congenital Heart Disease in Singapore Statistics

According to SingHealth:

• Incidence of CHD in Singapore was approximately 0.81% of total live births from 1994 to 2000.
• This figure reached 0.97% in 2021.
• Increases may be due to improved diagnostics and reporting mechanisms.
• Survival rate of patients into adulthood today exceeds 90%, compared to just 25% around fifty years ago. 

Causes And Risk Factors For Congenital Heart Disease

The exact causes for congenital heart diseases are unknown. Risk factors that increases the chances of such conditions include genetic defects as well as environmental factors:

Genetic defects include – Down syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Turner syndrome.

Environmental risk factors for congenital heart disease include:

• Excessive consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.
• Use of certain medications, e.g. used for treatment of acne, depression or bipolar disorders.
• Exposure to arsenic, cadmium and organic solvents.
• Rubella and certain other viral infections.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking during pregnancy.

Top 5 Most Common Congenital Heart Diseases In Singapore

1. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital heart defects. It involves a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). This hole allows oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and poor growth in infants.

2. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Atrial septal defect is a condition where there is a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart’s upper chambers (atria). This defect allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left atrium to the right atrium, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs. Many children with ASD may not show symptoms, but over time, it can cause issues such as arrhythmias and heart failure.

3. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex congenital heart defect that includes four abnormalities: a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary valve), right ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the right ventricle), and an overriding aorta. This condition reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the body, leading to cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin) and other complications.

4. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the lungs in a fetus, fails to close after birth. This results in abnormal blood flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Symptoms can include rapid breathing, poor feeding, and fatigue. If left untreated, PDA can lead to heart failure and other complications.

5. Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)

Coarctation of the aorta is a condition where a portion of the aorta is narrowed, restricting blood flow to the lower part of the body. This can cause high blood pressure in the arms and low blood pressure in the legs. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, poor growth, and hypertension. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Learn About: Other Congenital Heart Disease Topics >>

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