Premium Essay

Congenital Heart Defect Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 826
Pages 4
Introduction
Congenital heart defects affect millions of newborns every year. According to recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, congenital heart defects “affect nearly 1% of―or about 40,000―births per year in the United States” (Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)). Because these conditions are congenital, infants are present with these defects at birth. While many advancements in technology have improved the lifespan for infants with congenital heart disease, this group of cardiovascular abnormalities are still a “leading cause of birth defect-associated infant illness and death” (Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)). Therefore, early diagnosis of congenital heart defects is imperative to early intervention.
Identification …show more content…
Left to right shunts, including Atrial Septal Defects, Ventricular Septal Defects, Atrial Ventricular Septal Defects, and Patent Ductus Arteriosus, are congenital heart defects that occur when there is abnormal passage of blood between chambers or vessels toward the left (Chowdhury, 2007). The increased volume of blood being returned to the lungs causes, “volume overload to the left ventricle, increased pulmonary circulation, and a decreased systemic cardiac output” (Chowdhury, 2007). Right to left shunts, including the Tetralogy of Fallot, occurs when there is abnormal passage of blood between chambers or vessels toward the right (Chowdhury, 2007). Due to the abnormal blood flow, “the deoxygenated blood that returns from the tissues returns back to the body without getting re­oxygenated,” which causes decreased oxygenation of tissues due to the severe alteration in pulmonary blood flow (Chowdhury, 2007). Among the various types of congenital heart defects, Ventricular Septal Defects (31.03%), Atrial Septal Defects (22.9%), and the Tetralogy of Fallot (14.9%) are the three most common types of congenital heart defects. (CHD Facts and …show more content…
Symptoms, however, vary between the different types of congenital heart defects. Due to the incorrect flow of oxygenated blood circulation towards the lungs, heart murmurs, arrhythmias, enlargement of the right side of the heart, enlargement of the pulmonary artery, dizziness, fatigue, and exertional dyspnea are often seen in left to right shunts. In right ot left shunts, symptoms include cyanosis, fainting, heart murmurs, fatigue, clubbing of fingernails, dyspnea, failure to thrive, and growth and developmental disorders. (Chowdhury,

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

...The Diaphragm and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia The diaphragm is a commonly misunderstood body part. Those who sing appreciate it purely due to their ability to control the diaphragm to enhance their singing. However, its real purpose in the human body is more important than that. The diaphragm plays such a crucial role in everyday life to the extent that one cannot survive without it. In this paper we will consider the role of the diaphragm through its anatomy and physiology. We will then review a congenital birth defect known as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) and how it changes the anatomy and physiology of the body. We will also look at current research and prognosis of the disease in an effort to gain a better understanding of this often-fatal defect. The diaphragm is located almost centrally in the body. It is a continuous sheet of muscle that spreads across the bottom of the rib cage creating a divide between the thoracic cavity and the abdominal cavity. As detailed in the text Gray’s Anatomy, the convex upper surface of the diaphragm faces the thorax and forms the bottom of the thoracic cavity. The concave inferior surface is pointed towards the abdomen and is mostly covered in peritoneum forming the superior part of the abdominal cavity. The right side of the diaphragm is superior to the right lobe of the liver, the right kidney, and the right adrenal gland. The left side of the diaphragm lays over the left lobe of the liver, the fundus of...

Words: 2636 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Heart Disease Research Paper

...The magnitude of Heart Disease in the United States Name: Institutional Affiliation The magnitude of Heart Disease in the United States Heart disease refers to a range of conditions impacting the heart (MFMER, 2018). In the US, the most prevalent form of heart disease is coronary heart disease. This disease interferes with the flow of blood to the heart. A reduction in the flow of blood results in a heart attack (CCD, 2015). There are also other diseases under the umbrella of heart disease including arrhythmias and congenital heart defects. In most cases, heart disease as a term is used interchangeably with cardiovascular disease (MFMER, 2018). However, it must be emphasized that cardiovascular disease basically describes...

Words: 2431 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Edwards Syndrome: Trisomy Eighteen

...Edwards Syndrome: Trisomy Eighteen Congenital abnormalities constitute for many genetic defects during conception. During the process of Meiosis, cell division of a diploid cell occurs, which results in a four haploid progeny cells. These cells have half of the genetic information from the original parental diploid cell (Pearson School 2011). Twenty-three chromosomes are present in each cell. Once the sperm and the egg meet, Meiosis begins. This process of splitting cells and DNA replication can result in genetic information to be transferred, deleted, or relocated on accident. Twenty-three chromosomes from the father and twenty-three chromosomes from the mother combined, resulting in forty-six chromosomes in each cell. A congenital abnormality that results from an extra copy of chromosome eighteen is called Edwards’ disease or Trisomy eighteen. During Meiosis, chromosome eighteen is duplicated three times, causing developmental issues that are life threatening. This genetic defect in most cases causes the fetus to be stillborn at birth (Trisomy 18 foundation, 2010). According to Thomas Weiss, “Edwards' syndrome is associated with a broad spectrum of abnormalities which consist of greater than one-hundred and thirty discrete defects involving the brain, heart, craniofacial structure, kidneys and stomach.” The purpose of this paper is to examine what Edward’s syndrome is: diagnosing, symptoms, treatment/management and prognosis. Diagnosing Diagnosing a Trisomy Eighteen infant...

Words: 1125 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Different Types of Disorders

...Different types of disorders Project in Elective Definition: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare condition in which a baby is born without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. Described as an inborn error of amino acid metabolism, phenylketonuria (PKU) was the first genetic disorder found to be due to a specific enzyme deficiency, resulting in a patient's inability to metabolise a specific amino acid appropriately. Classical PKU is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Over 70 different mutations on the PAH gene found on Chromosome 12 have been found to cause the almost complete absence of PAH as seen in PKU patients. PKU patients deficient in PAH are unable to metabolise the amino acid phenylalanine leading to an accumulation of phenylalanine and it's metabolites within the body. PKU is an example of an autosomal recessive disorder. Causes Phenylketonuria (PKU) is inherited, which means it is passed down through families. Both parents must pass on the defective gene in order for a baby to have the condition. This is called an autosomal recessive trait. Babies with PKU are missing an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is needed to break down an essential amino acid called phenylalanine. The substance is found in foods that contain protein. Without the enzyme, levels of phenylalanine and two closely-related substances build up in the body. These substances are harmful to the...

Words: 6140 - Pages: 25

Premium Essay

Atrial Fibrillation and Nursing Considerations

...understanding of primary body systems and their pathology. This paper will educate the prudent nurses who read it with detailed information about the specific cardiac pathology of atrial fibrillation. Written with a basic understanding of human heart function/structure as a prerequisite, this paper will first discuss key terms one must be familiar with before providing researched information explaining the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Next, it will discuss the etiology, clinical manifestations, common laboratory diagnostics, and interventions. Lastly, this paper continues by providing readers with nursing diagnoses and patient teachings associated with AF. Key Terms As a nurse one must become a scientist of sorts and must be familiar with technical nursing terminology. Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is a cardiac dysrhythmia in which “multiple rapid impulses from many atrial foci depolarize the atria in a totally disorganized manner at a rate of 350 to 600 times per minute” [ (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2010) ]. A dysrhythmia is a disorder of the heartbeat involving a disturbance in cardiac rhythm and an irregular heartbeat; whereas an arrhythmia is basically a fast or irregular heartbeat caused by a disorder in the heart's electrical system. Tachydysrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm with a rate greater than 100 beats per minute. Cardiac output refers to the volume of blood ejected from the heart in each minute. The normal adult range is 4 to 7 liters...

Words: 2583 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Cocaine Pregnant Women

...I Population Defined This paper will cover briefly a multidimensional analysis of pregnant women and cocaine use. This paper will explore how women, particularly pregnant women can be challenged by cocaine use. There will be A review of the literature and policies that impact this population. In history, women have been making strides against oppression and discrimination in health, social welfare, policy and many other areas of life (Eisenberg,1998). For purposes of this paper, inner urban cities will be discussed as it impacts pregnant women. To date, gender and issues of equality remain at the forefront. Advocacy organizations like Planned Parenthood, advocate for reproductive health care for women. Certain cultural practices, prohibit...

Words: 1424 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Organ Transplant

...Organ Transplant in the United States Stephanie Daniels UCA Certificate of Authorship I hereby certify that I am the author of this document and any assistance I received in preparing this report is fully acknowledged. I have also cited in APA format all sources of data, data analysis, ideas, words, phrases, or sentences. I also hereby certify that I have not submitted this paper to any other professor, at Webster University or elsewhere, during the course of my educational career. I have properly cited and acknowledged material that was presented in previous papers of my authorship. Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: __________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS Page # Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………3 Organ Transplant…………………………………………………………………………..4 What Organs and Tissues Can Be Donated……………………………………………….6 Organ Transplant Cost…………………………………………………………………….10 Ethical Issues: Organ Transplant…………………………………………………………..11 Strength and Weaknesses……………………………………………………………….....14 Alternatives and Key Challenges: Organ/Tissue Transplant……………………………...15 Summary and recommendations…………………………………………………………...17 References…………………………………………………………………………………19 Abstract Organ transplant experiments began in the 1800’s on animals and humans as a need...

Words: 4065 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Insurance, Proposed Product

...FN241 Final Project FN241 Final Project 2013 2013 Group Member Group Member Jeerawut Kamolvisit 5302640361 Patchara Bupadham 5302640866 Phongvasu Siraprapaphong 5302640932 Possathorn Surapongrukcharoen 5302641021 Quentin de Lovinfosse 5602930066 Viktor Ihler 5602930231 Group Member Jeerawut Kamolvisit 5302640361 Patchara Bupadham 5302640866 Phongvasu Siraprapaphong 5302640932 Possathorn Surapongrukcharoen 5302641021 Quentin de Lovinfosse 5602930066 Viktor Ihler 5602930231 History of Insurance Simple forms of modifying risk have been around for five thousand years first described and used by the Chinese. From transferring risk, to distributing risk the first forms of insurance was formed. Starting of as insurance on loans and property, it rapidly became more defined and evolved. Merchants started to insure their shipping goods. By 600 B.C. the first step is taken in the way of modern life insurance. By the 14th century the first forms of insurance contracts are made. Another two hundred years later in the late 1660s the first insurance office is set up. This came as a result of the Great Fire of London and the insurance company that was set up was a fire insurance company. Throughout the 18th and 19th century fire insurances spread around the world and late in the 19th century the first forms of accident insurances came on the market. Throughout the 20th century insurances was modified and new types became a part of the...

Words: 4598 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Research Paper

...Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm By Richaly Luce, T TH PM Laboratory Fall 2016 INTRODUCTION An abdominal aortic aneurysm is the dilation of a localized area of the abdominal aorta. The most common complication of this is rupture of the aneurysm. When it ruptures the mortality rate is around 90%. Rupture of the aneurysm causes massive hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity. Abdominal aortic aneurysm affects around 5-9% of the population over the age of 65, and most common in males. It is less common in females and tends to happen after the age of 75. The rupture resulting in death of the aneurysm affects about 1-2% of all male deaths in western countries. I’ve done some light research in the past about this pathology. Now that I have the opportunity...

Words: 1601 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Orange Juice

...AKANU IBIAM FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC UNWANA COLLEGE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY A TERM PAPER WRITTEN FOR THE PARTIAL FUFILLMENT OF THE COURSE FST 217 TOPIC ORANGE JUICE (GROUP 8) BY NWANKWO HAPPINESS .U. 2014/ND/34762/FT LECTURER: MR. TOPE MARCH 2016 INTRODUCTION This term paper is about Orange Juice and how it is produced and gotten. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT My foremost gratitude goes to Almighty God, JEHOVAH, who has led me thus far. I also want to appreciate the effort of my Family members most especially Mrs Nwankwo Happiness .U. who has been helping me both financially and whose love has kept me going. Also my friend who helped me to type this work. ORANGE JUICE Orange juice is the liquid extract of the fruit of the orange tree. It is made by squeezing the fresh orange. Some commercial orange juice with a long shelf life are made by drying and later re-hydrating the juice, or by concentrating the juice and later adding water to the concentrate. Others are made by pasteurizing the juice and removing oxygen from it, necessitating the later addition of a flavor pack, generally made from orange products. It is known for its health benefits, particularly its high concentration of vitamin C. It comes in several different varieties, including blood orange. Orange juice is made from unfermented fresh oranges and provides many benefits for the body. Fresh orange juice is the richest source of vitamin C and fulfills an entire day’s...

Words: 3415 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Psychoactive Drugs and Their Effects

...Psychoactive Drugs And Their Effects   Abstract This paper discusses three different psychoactive drugs, one from each classification, and their general psychological and physical effects. Cocaine, a stimulant, Cannabis, a hallucinogen and Oxycodone, a depressant will be covered. Positive, neutral and adverse effects will be discussed as well as long-term use and withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis has a section regarding its medicinal use in society.   Cocaine is a naturally derived central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and topical anesthetic that is extracted and refined from the Erythroxylum coca plant, which is grown primarily in the Andean region of South America. Coca leaf chewing has been around for thousands of years. The drug was first isolated in the 1850’s and had medicinal use through the late 19th century. Recreational use became a problem in the early 20th century and became illegal is the United States in 1914. The chemical name for cocaine is benzoylmethyl ecgonine; it is a bitter, white, odorless crystalline drug. Cocaine has multiple methods of ingestion; it can be insufflated, taken orally or intravenously. It can be smoked to some degree, but tends to burn rather than vaporize because of the high temperature required. Freebase cocaine vaporizes at smoking temperatures and creates a more intense high whilst using less product. Street terminology consists of coke, snow, nose candy, white, blow and soft, among others. Freebase is known as crack, rock and hard...

Words: 1962 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Epidemiology

...p. 262). Analytical epidemiology studies the causes and risk factors of health events. In order to evaluate the health events in a population, both descriptive and analytical epidemiology are important (Stroup, D. & Thacker, S., 2009). Three categories of data sources commonly used in epidemiologic studies including surveillance data, census data, and vital records, data collected for other purposes, and epidemiologic data (Hilfinger Messias, McKeown, and Adams 2012). The epidemiological triangle is composed of three elements of disease, and includes host, agent, and environment. Changes in one element can increase or decrease a person’s risk of the disease (Hilfinger Messuas, McKeown, &Adams, 2012). The purpose of this paper is to describe the epidemiology of children with Down syndrome utilizing the principles of epidemiology, specifically, descriptive epidemiology. Down syndrome description Down syndrome, also known as...

Words: 1660 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Josh

...Real Essays From Stanford Medical Students Comments Regarding Plagiarism The essays contained within this document were written by current Stanford medical students and have been carefully read and reviewed by file reviewers, interviewers, and admissions staff and officers at Stanford Medical School as well as dozens of other medical schools across the country. We must emphasize that you need to be honest in writing your personal statements. If you borrow material or use quotes from other sources, make sure to credit them appropriately. Not giving credit where it is due is not only disastrous to your essay, but it is also illegal. Admissions officers read hundreds, and even thousands of personal statements each year, and have developed a fine tune sense for detecting plagiarism as well as remembering the essays they’ve read. You owe it to yourself to be hones, open, and sincere in writing your personal essay as it is a reflection of yourself and what is important in your life and your decision to pursue a career in medicine. Stanford Essays The following essays were written by real Stanford medical students in preparing their applications. We suggest that you read through all of the essays to get a diverse view of the types of themes and styles which have been successfully used for personal statements. Each personal statement is exactly that, personal. No one format or style will work for everyone. However, there are structures and themes which are common throughout...

Words: 13099 - Pages: 53

Premium Essay

Musculr Dystrophy

...Anatomy and Physiology 2, SCI 136 Research project # 40904000 Muscular Dystrophy Definition Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of more than 30 genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles used during voluntary movement. The word dystrophy is derived from the Greek dys, which means "difficult" or "faulty," and troph, or "nourish." These disorders vary in age of onset, severity, and pattern of affected muscles. All forms of MD grow worse as muscles progressively degenerate and weaken. Many patients eventually lose the ability to walk (“National Institute,” 2011). Some types of MD also affect the heart, gastrointestinal system, endocrine glands, spine, eyes, brain, and other organs. Respiratory and cardiac diseases may occur, and some patients may develop a swallowing disorder. MD is not contagious and cannot be brought on by injury or activity (“National Institute,” 2011). Method(s) of diagnosis Muscular dystrophies are diagnosed through both the patient’s medical history and a complete family history to determine if the muscle disease is secondary to a disease affecting other tissues or organs or is an inherited condition. It is also important to rule out any muscle weakness resulting from prior surgery, exposure to toxins, current medications that may affect the patient's functional status, and any acquired muscle diseases. Thorough clinical and neurological exams can rule out disorders of the central and/or...

Words: 3859 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Medical Surgical Nursing

...00_078973706x_fm.qxd 1/14/08 2:42 PM Page i NCLEX-PN ® SECOND EDITION Wilda Rinehart Diann Sloan Clara Hurd 00_078973706x_fm.qxd 1/14/08 2:42 PM Page ii NCLEX-PN® Exam Cram, Second Edition Copyright © 2008 by Pearson Education All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. ISBN-13:978-0-7897-2706-9 ISBN-10: 0-7897-3706-x Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Rinehart, Wilda. NCLEX-PN exam cram / Wilda Rinehart, Diann Sloan, Clara Hurd. -- 2nd ed. p. cm. ISBN 978-0-7897-3706-9 (pbk. w/cd) 1. Practical nursing--Examinations, questions, etc. 2. Nursing--Examinations, questions, etc. 3. National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses--Study guides. I. Sloan, Diann. II. Hurd, Clara. III. Title. RT62.R55 2008 610.73'076--dc22 2008000133 Printed in the United States of America First Printing: February 2008 Trademarks All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately...

Words: 177674 - Pages: 711