Vani Vilas hospital study highlights increasing instance of heart ailments among newborns

BENGALURU: Amidst the rising cases of heart attacks in Karnataka, a study by doctors at Vani Vilas Hospital revealed that there has been an increase in cases of newborn babies with heart-related problems.

The study revealed that around 25-30 cases of newborns with heart-related issues are being reported every month. Additionally, 40 newborns are being diagnosed with other health issues every month.

Dr Sahana, a paediatric cardiologist at Vani Vilas Hospital, attributes the rise in heart-related problems in newborns to pregnant women’s consumption of alcohol, which can cause holes in the baby’s heart.

The doctor emphasizes that alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not good for the baby’s health. Premature delivery is also a contributing factor to heart-related problems in newborns.

The study highlights the importance of pregnant women taking necessary precautions and consuming healthy food during pregnancy to prevent such issues.

Dr Sahana said, “Congenital heart disease (CHD) can be detected in 8 newborn babies out of 1,000 population. There is a scan called ‘Fetal anomaly’ during pregnancy, in that test, doctors will find defects in the womb and diagnosis will also increase. There are multiple reasons for heart diseases in newborn babies, including Down’s syndrome, late birth, genetic causes, and diabetic mothers, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, premature baby. The first three months are important during pregnancy because it is a period of organ development period. The only solution for pregnant women is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritious food, and not take tablets without a doctor’s prescription”.