Early Detection Key to Reducing Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects, or malformations of the heart that develop during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, affect between 18,000 and 20,000 newborns annually in Mexico, reports Mexico’s Ministry of Health (SSA). These conditions account for about 1% of all births in the country. Early detection is crucial to ensure proper treatment and improve the quality of life for affected patients.

Congenital heart defects can be classified into two main categories including cyanotic and acyanotic, explains Juan Francisco García, Head of the Cardiology Service, General Hospital of Mexico. Cyanotic defects are marked by a bluish discoloration in the baby, indicating a lack of oxygen, and require immediate surgical intervention. Meanwhile, acyanotic defects may show symptoms later on, such as fatigue and difficulty breathing during feeding or physical activity. Detection can be done during pregnancy through specialized ultrasounds that identify abnormalities in the heart’s development. In the first hours after birth, newborn screening with pulse oximetry can detect severe heart defects that require urgent care.

Certain risk factors are linked to the use of specific medications and chemicals during the first trimester of pregnancy, according to Iñaki Navarro, Head of the Department of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital of Mexico “Federico Gómez.” To reduce the risk of congenital heart defects, he recommends avoiding contact with individuals suffering from viral infections, maintaining proper gynecological care, eating a balanced diet, and taking folic acid before conception.

Vaccination against diseases such as rubella has proven to be an effective preventive measure in reducing the incidence of congenital heart defects.

Treatment for congenital heart defects varies depending on the severity of the condition, ranging from medical monitoring and medication to more advanced procedures like catheterization or surgery. The Children’s Hospital of Mexico conducts around 320 catheterizations and 250 surgeries annually to address these defects. In addition, complementary tests such as echocardiograms and angiograms are used to aid diagnosis and treatment planning.

During the International Congenital Heart Defects Day, which was observed on Feb. 14, 2025, the SSA emphasized the importance of enhancing prevention efforts, promoting early diagnosis, and training healthcare personnel to improve detection and timely treatment of these conditions.