Heart disease in numbers
Children living in the country under the age of 18
80%
The incidence of malformations and congenital heart defects in the country
1%
A child is born every year with congenital heart disease
970
Approximately 970 children are born each year with congenital heart disease, which is the leading cause of infant mortality associated with birth defects. As the incidence of malformations and congenital heart defects in the country is relatively higher than international levels, which is estimated at 10 per 1000 newborns.
It is estimated that 80% of children (under 18 years of age) are currently living with congenital heart disease in the UAE. Because of medical advances, there are now more adults with congenital heart disease. A more accurate number is not available because we do not have a system to track congenital heart disease after early infancy. Thanks to ongoing research, more children with congenital heart disease have reached adulthood, and for the first time in history there are more adults than children with congenital heart disease.
Causes of CHD & How to prevent it
Congenital heart defects happen because of incomplete or abnormal development of the baby's heart during the very early weeks of pregnancy. The defect typically interferes with the normal flow of blood through the heart, which may affect breathing. Although researchers aren't exactly sure why the heart fails to develop correctly, a few known causes and risk factors have been identified.
When is Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed?
Many serious and more severe forms of congenital heart diseases are detected during pregnancy, during a routine ultrasound exam. Some cases may be diagnosed shortly after birth. Less serious heart conditions may go undiagnosed until adolescence or early adulthood and begin to show certain signs or symptoms of congenital heart disease.
Signs and symptoms for CHDs depend on the type and severity of the particular defect. Some defects may have few or no signs or symptoms
Congenital Heart Disease Treatment
Treatment for a congenital heart defect depends on the type and severity of the defect. Some babies have mild heart defects that heal on their own over time. Others may have serious defects that require extensive treatment.
Follow-up health care for congenital heart disease
Children with congenital heart disease are followed up by specialists called pediatric cardiologists. These doctors diagnose heart conditions and help manage children's health before and after their heart problems.
Lifelong Support
People with congenital heart disease face unique challenges, treatment and often repeated surgeries for their entire lives, and support is critical at every stage of the journey – from when congenital heart disease is diagnosed through childhood, the teenage years and into adulthood.
UAE Congenital Heart Association (UAE-CHA) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting persons of all ages impacted by congenital heart disease, the leading cause of infant death in UAE and a chronic complex disease requiring lifelong treatment.
UAE Congenital Heart Association (UAE-CHA) providing timely support to infants, young people and adults living with congenital heart disease all across UAE. We also monitor life-saving advanced scientific research, providing reliable and evidence-based information and advocate for the needs of impacted families.
Our support is a commitment for life.
Emarat Atrium Building
Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Wasl - Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
2nd flour – office No. 225
Tel. 00971 4 222 0966
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We can offer endless support and a chance to build lifelong friendships
Are you interested in helping the Emirates Congenital Heart Association achieve its goals of supporting life-changing people affected and living with challenges with congenital heart disease?
