What are the causes of congenital heart disease?
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of congenital heart disease include genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy, rubella virus infection during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and use of teratogenic drugs during pregnancy. If congenital heart disease is suspected in a fetus or newborn, it is recommended to promptly visit a正规 hospital for examination and diagnosis. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Genetic factors
If there is a family history of congenital heart disease, abnormal genes may be passed on to offspring, increasing the likelihood of the condition. Couples can undergo genetic testing before conception, and regular fetal echocardiography during pregnancy can help detect abnormalities early.
2. Unhealthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy
Long-term smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy allow harmful substances to pass through the placenta and affect fetal heart development, leading to structural heart abnormalities. Pregnant women should quit smoking and drinking, avoid secondhand smoke, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and refrain from staying up late.
3. Rubella virus infection during pregnancy
Rubella virus infection during pregnancy allows the virus to enter the fetal body and interfere with critical stages of heart development, resulting in cardiac malformations. After diagnosis, medications such as ribavirin granules, isatis root granules, or Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid may be used under medical guidance, along with enhanced prenatal monitoring.
4. Gestational diabetes
Poor blood glucose control during pregnancy creates a high-glucose environment that affects the development of the fetal cardiac vasculature, increasing the risk of congenital heart disease. Blood glucose can be managed under medical supervision using insulin injection, metformin tablets, or glyburide tablets. Additionally, dietary adjustments should be made to reduce intake of high-sugar foods.
5. Use of teratogenic drugs during pregnancy
Taking teratogenic medications such as phenytoin sodium tablets, sodium valproate tablets, or thalidomide during pregnancy can affect fetal heart development and lead to congenital heart disease. Medication use during pregnancy must strictly follow medical advice; self-medication should be avoided, and doctors should be consulted to switch to safer alternatives when necessary.
In daily life, proper precautions should be taken before and during pregnancy to avoid exposure to viruses and harmful substances; regular prenatal check-ups are essential to monitor maternal and fetal health in a timely manner; underlying medical conditions should be well-controlled, and good physical health maintained to reduce the risk of congenital heart disease.