Congenital heart disease will be the focus of a week of consultations at C-Care Wellkin! The clinic is hosting two international specialists, including pediatric interventional cardiologist Prof. Stephen Brown and adult and pediatric cardiac surgeon Dr. Dharmesh Ramlugun, as part of Congenital and Adult Heart Week, which runs from January 30 to February 3. In addition to allowing patients, especially children, to be seen by these experts, C-Care Wellkin will be holding an awareness campaign throughout the week to educate the public about congenital heart disease and available treatments.
Heart defects range in severity from mild to fatal. Most consist of a “hole” in the heart and open structures that would normally close after birth. A significant heart defect can interfere with a child’s growth and weight gain. The most common symptom is shortness of breath and rapid breathing – this can occur during feeding or exercise. These children may also develop repeated episodes of chest infections, which often require hospitalization. Any patient with a significant heart injury or who has had surgery requires lifelong follow-up. This follow-up is important to ensure a good quality of life and to treat any residual problems.
During the visit of the two international specialists, priority will be given to children and young people, aged 0 to 18 years. “All patients will undergo a clinical examination and, if necessary, an electrocardiogram (ECG). Afterwards, a cardiac sonar will be performed. This examination is not painful. After a thorough examination, appropriate advice will be offered to patients: medical treatment or not, indication for catheterization, discussion for surgery for children and/or adults. The experts will be in Mauritius for a week, so we will encourage patients to make an appointment,” concludes Wellkin’s COO.
