Will a child with congenital heart disease be the same as a normal child after surgery?

Whether a child with congenital heart disease can live like a normal child after surgery depends on the type of surgery, the severity of the condition, and the postoperative recovery. Most children who have undergone surgery can lead a nearly normal life, but some children may still require long-term follow-up and need to pay attention to possible complications after surgery.

1. Recovery after surgery

Surgery for congenital heart disease is usually divided into restorative surgery and palliative surgery. Restorative surgery can completely solve the problem of heart structure, and most of these children can live and grow like normal children after surgery. However, for children with severe diseases, such as complex cyanotic heart disease, multiple surgeries may be required, and postoperative recovery is more difficult, and there may be a decline in heart function or lack of exercise endurance. Follow-up should be scheduled in the early postoperative period to observe the recovery of heart function.

2Possible complications after surgery

Some children may have arrhythmias, blood circulation disorders, pulmonary hypertension and other problems after surgery, which require medication control. For example, beta-blockers such as metoprolol can be used to improve heart rate, and anticoagulants such as warfarin may be needed to prevent thrombosis. In some severe cases, further interventional treatment may be required. For example, some children who have undergone valve surgery may need another valve replacement surgery in the future.

3. Long-term follow-up and health care after surgery

Although surgery improves heart structural problems, long-term cardiovascular health maintenance is important. Doctors usually recommend that patients undergo follow-up visits such as cardiac ultrasound every year or every two years. Some children may need to limit strenuous exercise, such as prohibiting projects that put a high load on the cardiopulmonary system. Low- and medium-intensity exercises such as jogging and swimming are more recommended. After surgery, you should also pay attention to avoiding infective endocarditis in your daily life, maintain good oral hygiene, or use antibiotics recommended by your doctor to prevent infection when necessary.

4Psychological and growth support

Some children may have psychological trauma or developmental problems, so they need extra care from their parents and teachers. Some children need additional psychological counseling to reduce their sense of denial or inferiority. It is also recommended that nutritionists help develop a postoperative diet. For example, iron and folic acid supplements can help improve anemia and promote growth and development.

Although many children can gradually return to a near-normal life after congenital heart surgery, regular follow-up, paying attention to physical changes, and providing psychological support are key. Parents should maintain close communication with doctors to help their children grow up healthily.