Congenital Heart Disease: A Condition Present from Birth
Congenital heart disease is a condition that individuals are born with and is often identified immediately after birth due to the notable presence of symptoms. One of the telltale signs is cyanosis, characterized by the skin appearing pale or having a bluish-gray tint. Additionally, swelling around the eyes, legs, and abdomen is a common indicator of a congenital heart defect. Infants with this condition may experience difficulty in breathing during feeding, leading to challenges in gaining weight and proper growth. On the other hand, milder cases of congenital heart diseases may only be diagnosed later in life. These conditions become more apparent during physical exertion, with symptoms like shortness of breath and noticeable swelling in the ankles, feet, and hands.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Weakening of the Heart Muscles
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a medical condition characterized by weakened heart muscles. Although the early stages of the disease may not show many noticeable symptoms, the symptoms tend to worsen as the condition progresses. Fatigue, fainting episodes, irregular heartbeats, which may feel like fluttering or rapid pounding in the chest, swollen limbs, and overall shortness of breath are common signs experienced by individuals with dilated cardiomyopathy.