Congenital heart disease (CHD) often has no known cause, but several factors are associated with its development.
Causes of Congenital Heart Disease
While in many cases the exact cause of congenital heart disease remains unknown, certain risk factors and conditions are linked to its occurrence. These include:
- Maternal Illnesses: Exposure of the fetus to certain maternal illnesses during pregnancy can increase the risk of CHD. These illnesses include:
- Diabetes
- German measles (rubella)
- Fever illnesses
- Phenylketonuria (a problem metabolizing an amino acid)
- Substance Use During Pregnancy: Smoking, alcohol, or recreational drug use during pregnancy are also known causes.
In summary, while the cause of CHD is often unknown, factors like maternal health conditions and substance use during pregnancy play a significant role in its development.
