Paediatrics: Congenital Heart Disease: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common paediatric heart condition – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to structural abnormalities of the heart or great vessels present from birth.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Genetic mutations and chromosomal syndromes (e.g. Down, Turner, DiGeorge, Williams)• Maternal infections (e.g. rubella), diabetes, or medication exposure• Family history of CHD• Advanced maternal age (>35 years)• Consanguinity• Mnemonic: “CHD risks = GIFTED MUM” (Genetics, Infection, Family hx, Teratogens, Environment, Diabetes, Maternal age)📌 Pathophysiology• Defective cardiac structure alters normal blood flow• May result in left-to-right shunts, obstructive lesions, or cyanosis• Cyanosis occurs when deoxygenated blood bypasses the lungs📌 Symptoms• Cyanosis (blue baby)• Heart murmurs• Failure to thrive, feeding difficulties• Breathlessness, recurrent infections• Fatigue during activity (older children)📌 Differential Diagnosis• Myocarditis• Respiratory causes (e.g. bronchiolitis, pneumonia)• Genetic syndromes without heart defects• Innocent murmurs• Neonatal sepsis📌 Diagnosis• Antenatal ultrasound• Postnatal checks: murmurs, femoral pulses, SpO₂ screening• Echocardiography (first-line imaging)• ECG, CXR, cardiac catheterisation (complex cases)• Pre- and post-ductal saturation difference → red flag📌 Management• Depends on defect severity• Observation (minor), medications (e.g. diuretics, ACEi), or surgery• Catheter-based interventions (e.g. ASD closure, valvoplasty)• Duct-dependent lesions: urgent prostaglandin infusion• Prevent infective endocarditis (if at risk)• Long-term: MDT follow-up, cardiac rehab, psychosocial support📌 Complications• Heart failure• Eisenmenger’s syndrome (long-standing shunt reversal)• Endocarditis• Arrhythmias• Growth/developmental delays• Stroke (paradoxical embolism)📌 Prognosis• Most patients now survive into adulthood• Depends on defect type, timely diagnosis, and intervention• Early detection = improved outcomes📎 More MSRA Resources for Congenital Heart Disease📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/congenital-heart-disease-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/congenital-heart-disease-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/congenital-heart-disease-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/congenital-heart-disease-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/🧪 Quiz Bank: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/congenital-heart-disease/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #CongenitalHeartDisease #CHD #BlueBaby #Paediatrics #Cardiology