Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic problems in the world. The cause of death of many of these children is heart problems in Down syndrome. Half of children with Down syndrome are born with some form of congenital heart defect. In this article, you will learn about these problems and how to control them.

What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome (sometimes called Mongolian) is a condition in which a child is born with an extra 21 chromosome. Hence its other name is trisomy 21. This issue causes delay in physical and mental development as well as heart problems in Down syndrome. Many accompanying disabilities, such as heart problems in Down syndrome, are lifelong and can also shorten life expectancy. However, people with Down syndrome can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Recent medical advances, as well as cultural and institutional support for people with Down syndrome and their families, have provided many opportunities to help overcome the challenges of this disease.

What is the cause of Down syndrome? In all cases of reproduction, each parent passes on their genes to their offspring. These genes are carried in chromosomes. The primary egg cell is supposed to receive 23 pairs of chromosomes. Half of the chromosomes are from the mother and half from the father. which is a total of 46 chromosomes. When the child's cells multiply and develop from the primary egg cell. In children with Down syndrome, a pair of chromosomes (number 21) does not separate correctly. Finally, the child will have 47 chromosomes instead of 46. This extra chromosome causes brain development problems and certain physical characteristics and diseases. According to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), about one in every 700 babies born in the United States is born with Down syndrome. It is the most common genetic disorder in the United States.

Medical complications that are often associated with Down syndrome. Includes: - Heart problems in Down syndrome - Hearing loss - Poor vision - Cataracts in the eyes - Hip joint problems, such as dislocation - Blood cancer - Chronic constipation - Sleep apnea (interruption of breathing during sleep) - Dementia (thinking and memory problems) - hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) - obesity - Late growth of teeth that causes difficulty in chewing. - Alzheimer's disease in late life Also, people with Down syndrome are susceptible to infection. They may struggle with respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Related article: Know the symptoms of heart disease in children

What is the prevalence of heart problems in Down syndrome? Babies born normally have a one percent chance of congenital heart defects at birth. But for babies with Down syndrome, this risk is much higher. In such a way that almost half of children with Down syndrome are born with some kind of heart problems in Down syndrome. Related article What are the types of heart disease in children?

Why are heart problems associated with Down syndrome? While the connection between Down syndrome and congenital heart defects is clearly evident. But the cause of these heart defects is not known. Genetic causes, especially the extra twenty-one chromosome that all children with Down syndrome have. It probably plays a role in heart failure. A study has been conducted on children with Down syndrome and heart defects. which shows that some genetic codes may be lost in this syndrome. that this issue can affect the course of the normal formation of the heart. But this is not completely proven.

When can heart problems in Down syndrome be diagnosed? Down syndrome can be diagnosed early in pregnancy by screening the mother's blood. In the past, parents were concerned that fetal heart rate or white spots (echogenic intracardiac foci) on ultrasound may be associated with Down syndrome. But these factors are not necessarily related to the diagnosis of Down syndrome. If a baby has Down syndrome. Fetal echocardiography is necessary between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. These tests can show some heart defects before the baby is born. Thanks to new technology and testing, the number of fetal diagnoses has increased dramatically in the past few years. But not all children with Down syndrome are diagnosed before birth. If a child is born with Down syndrome and has not been diagnosed before birth. After the birth of this child and before leaving the hospital, an echocardiogram should be done to check for congenital heart defects.

What are the most common congenital heart defects in babies with Down syndrome? The most common heart defect in children with Down syndrome is atrial and ventricular wall defects (AVSD). which is a large hole in the center of the heart. which is also called atrial ventricular channel. But other heart defects can also occur, including: - Atrial septal defect (hole between the two upper chambers of the heart) - Interventricular wall defect (hole between the two lower chambers of the heart) - Open ductus arteriosus or PDA - Tetralogy of Fallot To correct many of the above heart defects, depending on their complexity and severity, one or more surgeries are needed. Some minor heart defects are possible. Do not need any surgery at all for correction. Although there may be differences in the incidence and complications of Down syndrome. But this method does not change the way we treat children with heart disease. Doctors use the same treatment methods for children with Down syndrome as for any child. Although heart defects or the possibility of heart surgery on a newborn baby can be scary for every parent. But new treatment techniques help babies with congenital heart disease to have healthy childhood years. Nowadays, the result of treatment of heart disease in a child with Down syndrome and congenital heart defect is excellent. For the vast majority of these children, it is now possible. He treated the heart problems in a completely satisfactory way so that they could lead a completely healthy life. Children's heart specialist and answers to parents' questions To read more about Down syndrome and related heart defects, you can use the following articles. https://www.healthline.com/health/down-syndrome#symptoms https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/down-syndrome-and-heart-defects