What are the causes congenital heart disease?

The exact cause of most congenital heart diseases is still
unknown. Though, it is known that certain factors increase their risk.
For
instance, if there are similar conditions in the family, the child may inherit the genes
that transmit these diseases. Also, if the mother drinks alcohol or consumes drugs
during pregnancy, these things increase the risk of congenital heart defects. The risk
of congenital heart diseases is increased, if the child is born prematurely or the child
has a genetic disease like Down syndrome.

The risk of
congenital heart diseases is increased, if the mother has diabetes or come in contact
with diseases like rubella, during pregnancy.

Usually,
congenital heart defects cannot be prevented. In any case, the risk of congenital heart
diseases can be decreased your through the following
measures:

• Best possible immunity before
  pregnancy;


• Maintaining the healthy state
  during pregnancy;


• Genetic testing before pregnancy, in
  case of a history of congenital heart illness in the
  family.