PREVALENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES IN PAKISTAN: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are among the most common congenital anomalies, which affect about 1% of newborns around the globe. These congenital abnormalities of the heart involve structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth and range from minor conditions that may not bring about any changes to the child’s life, to severe conditions that need serious medical intervention. CHDs are also a major public health concern in Pakistan with an incidence rate ranging between 2-4% of live birth, which means that Pakistan has nearly 60,000 CHDs every year. However, the actual prevalence of CHDs is unknown, as there is no national registry that collects data on congenital heart diseases, and there may be significant variation in the utilization of healthcare services in some areas, and rural areas in particular. Among these, more straightforward congenital heart disease includes VSD and ASD being the two most common, while more complicated cyanotic heart disease like TOF and TGA constitutes only a relatively small, but not insignificant, proportion. There are causes that are known to cause CHDs in the Pakistan population, these being genetic and environmental factors such as consanguinity, maternal diabetes and infections during pregnancy. Managing CHDs in Pakistan is still an emerging issue due to issues such as scarce availability of specialized health facilities in rural regions and limited diagnosis of CHDs. The current literature on CHDs demonstrates the burden and risk factors, as well as the current management practices in Pakistan This article aims at emphasizing the need for early detection of congenital heart disease, better health investments, and public enlightenment in Pakistan to enhance the management of cases of Congenital heart Defects. Early diagnosis, adequate follow up, and other management measures have shown to have a positive effect on the health of the children with CHDs but this is only possible with concerted efforts from the government and health systems in the different regions as well as communities in the country.