The Various Forms of Congenital Heart Disease

Based in Rancho Mirage, Peter Gregor, M.D. practices at Desert Oasis Health Care and serves the needs of patients in the Coachella Valley region. Peter Gregor, M.D. is experienced in treating patients with congenital heart disease.

With approximately one percent of Americans born with some form of congenital heart disease, these vary widely in terms of scope and severity. There are approximately three dozen types of heart defects that affect various areas of the heart, including the valves that control blood flow entering and leaving the heart, through opening and closing.

Another common issue is defects in the septum or the wall between the heart’s left and right sides. The defect can also center on the arteries and veins that run from the heart to the entire body. A related serious issue is any form of the disease that results in cyanosis, or not enough oxygen reaching the tissues of the body.

The positive news is that more than one million adults now live with some type of congenital heart disease and, with proper monitoring and care in place, can enjoy fulfilling, productive lives.

Congenital Heart Diseases - Risk Factors and Complications

Peter Gregor, M.D. is a medical director at Desert Oasis Health Care in Palm Springs, California Peter Gregor, M.D. is experienced in non-invasive cardiology and has diagnosed and provided treatments for heart failure in patients. He is also a member of the Rotary International Community.

Heart failure refers to a situation wherein the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Some of the symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling of limbs, lack of appetite, nausea, and rapid weight gain due to fluid retention. If not properly managed, it can cause damage to the kidney or liver. One of the causes of heart failure is congenital heart disease.

Congenital heart diseases are a group of heart abnormalities that affect a person since birth. Many of these diseases require early diagnosis and treatment, which may occur throughout a person's lifetime, to prevent possible complications. If the patient's health is not monitored continuously after the first treatment, complications can still develop in the future. Examples of such complications are arrhythmia, stroke, heart infection, and pulmonary hypertension.