In many cases, congenital heart disease is impossible to prevent. In most cases, there is no apparent cause, but risk factors have been identified, and there are some steps you can take to try and reduce the risk of birth defects:
Health checks and immunisations: if you are hoping to conceive, make sure you have sexual health tests and you are up to date with your immunisations. Check that you have been vaccinated against rubella, as rubella can be very harmful to the unborn child
- Avoid drinking: Avoid drinking during pregnancy; health experts recommend stopping drinking altogether during pregnancy. Studies have shown that alcohol can be very harmful to the unborn baby; drinking increases the risk of the baby being born with a birth defect
- Stop smoking: Smoking has been linked to low birth weight, premature birth, and an increased risk of birth defects
- Eat well: It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy, as this will ensure that the baby gets all the nutrients it needs
However, many mothers, despite taking all these precautions, still give birth to a child with heart problems; this cannot be foreseen. The best way to remain calm and strong is to take out medical insurance so that the costs of hospital visits and doctors’ appointments are covered in advance, alleviating any unnecessary strain.
Healthy lifestyle choices
Coronary heart disease is commonly linked to poor lifestyle choices. Adopting healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease considerably. To reduce your risk of developing heart disease, cardiac medicine experts recommend:
Eat well: eating a healthy, balanced diet will reduce the risk of heart disease significantly. Try to avoid foods that are high in salt, saturated fat, and sugar, as these contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
- Exercise: Exercise has a range of health benefits and can make a huge difference to the health of your heart. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times per week.
- Give up smoking: smoking has a negative impact on almost every organ and system in the body; giving up dramatically reduces the risk of developing a range of serious illnesses, including cancer, as well as heart disease.
- Cut down on drinking: heavy drinking is linked to an increased risk of many different illnesses; avoid binge drinking and stick to the recommended daily intake of 2 units per day for women and 3 units per day for men.
- Avoid stressful situations: stress can contribute to an increased risk of heart problems, so try to find ways to manage stress and take time out to relax.
As previously stated, heart problems can occur in people who do not follow this recommended regimen; it’s something that cannot be predicted. However, this doesn’t mean that it cannot be managed.