Day 49: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week - February 7-14

Several genetic factors are associated with heart disease. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, heart disease is the leading cause of death among American men and women, and heart disease is a major cause of disability. The American Heart Association, or AHA, states that heredity--the passing of traits from one generation to the next--is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease is not a major cause of death among children and teenagers, but it is the largest cause of death among adults in the United States. Most of the risk factors that affect children can be controlled early in life, lowering the risk of heart disease later in life. Other risk factors are usually passed down through family members (they are hereditary) or they are the result of another illness or disease. These risk factors usually can be controlled. Congenital heart disease (heart defects you are born with) cannot be changed, but better tests and treatments are now available for children with these types of heart problems. Children and teens can lower their risk of getting heart disease by changing or controlling the risk factors that can lead to heart disease later in life. The risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

The mission at Children's is to enhance the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. They have a vision to transform pediatric healthcare and be the leading voice for the health of Georgia's children.

Whether treating an injured toddler in an emergency or supporting a teen through a series of chemotherapy treatments, they take their commitment to care for each and every child who comes through our doors very seriously. It’s through teamwork at every level of their organization and with you, the family, that they are able to achieve a high level of excellence in pediatric care.

Nearly 150 doctors at Children’s, more than any other hospital in Georgia, are included among the nation’s best doctors as listed by Best Doctors in America®. This is the world’s leading resource for patients, families and doctors seeking expert medical information and guidance to treat illnesses and injuries of all kinds. Children's is the pediatric physician-teaching site for Emory University School of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine.

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To support Children’s, please visit:  http://www.choa.org/