Congenital heart disease is a significant structural abnormality of the heart or major blood vessels in the chest. It is one of the most common congenital defects, occurring in 8-10 per 1000 live births, and is a leading cause of death in newborns, accounting for nearly 40% of neonatal deaths due to congenital defects. Therefore, early detection of the disease helps reduce mortality rates as well as the burden of disease.

1. Why should congenital heart screening be performed via ultrasound as early as in the fetus?

Fetal echocardiography is essential for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular issues in the fetus.

– It helps detect early cardiovascular abnormalities before birth.

– It supports prenatal diagnosis and treatment.

– It assists families in preparing and planning to welcome the new member.

– It significantly helps reduce the mortality rate in newborns.

2. When should fetal congenital heart screening ultrasound be performed?

Pregnant women should have at least one fetal echocardiogram during their pregnancy to screen for heart abnormalities. The optimal time for ultrasound to diagnose congenital heart defects is between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy. After week 30, due to the increased fetal body mass and amniotic fluid, it becomes more difficult to obtain clear images.

About 80% of newborns with congenital heart disease have no prior risk factors. Therefore, fetal echocardiography is recommended for all pregnant women, especially those in high-risk groups.

To accurately determine if the fetus has congenital heart disease, the ultrasound must be performed by cardiologists who are specially trained in echocardiography, helping to assess the cardiovascular status of the fetus, including heart rate, structure, and function.

Currently, in addition to the color Doppler echocardiography service for children, Hai Phong International Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital has launched a new service – color Doppler echocardiography for screening congenital heart defects in fetuses, aimed at supporting the early diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart diseases in children while still in the womb.

As one of the first units in the city to implement color Doppler echocardiography using the Affiniti 70C color Doppler ultrasound machine from Philips – one of the world’s leading brands in ultrasound equipment; combined with the Philips Holter ECG system that effectively detects arrhythmias that are difficult to diagnose on ECG, and the Welch Allyn CP-150 computerized electrocardiogram system; with a team of top doctors trained in the field of cardiovascular ultrasound, having many years of direct experience examining and performing echocardiograms for numerous pediatric patients, the Pediatrics Department of Hai Phong International Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital is a trusted address for mothers to entrust their health and that of their beloved children.

To ensure that you receive prompt and thorough examination, the hospital provides the hotline number: 0225.395.9999. On all days of the week, at any time, customers will be connected and supported immediately.