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World Heart Day 2026: Why Every Newborn Needs a Heart Check
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News18•29-09-2026, 07:00
World Heart Day 2026: Why Every Newborn Needs a Heart Check
- •Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8-12 babies per 1,000 live births, with 2.4 lakh babies born with CHD annually in India, accounting for approximately 10% of infant mortality.
- •Many critical heart defects show no obvious signs at birth, making early screening crucial to prevent emergencies when circulation changes post-birth.
- •Pulse oximetry, a simple non-invasive test, combined with clinical examination, significantly improves the detection of critical CHD in newborns.
- •Public health policy is vital; Kerala's statewide program successfully integrated pulse oximetry screening, identifying numerous CHD cases.
- •Screening must be linked to a strong referral and treatment network, as timely diagnosis and access to care can lead to good long-term outcomes for over 90% of CHD patients.
Key Questions Answered
In India, the birth prevalence of congenital heart disease is approximately 9 per 1,000 live births, which translates to around 2.4 lakh babies born with CHD every year and accounts for about 10% of infant mortality.
Pulse oximetry is a simple, non-invasive test measuring oxygen saturation that, when combined with a clinical examination, can successfully identify critical congenital heart disease cases that might otherwise be missed during a standard visual assessment.
With timely diagnosis and access to appropriate medical treatment, more than 90% of individuals born with congenital heart disease can survive into adulthood with positive long-term health outcomes.
