Congenital Complete Heart Block (CCHB)

Overview

Congenital complete heart block (CCHB) is a rare heart condition in which the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are interrupted or blocked. This leads to a slow heart rate (bradycardia), which can cause a range of symptoms and complications. CCHB is usually present at birth and can affect a child’s ability to pump blood efficiently through the body.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of CCHB in children include:

  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fainting or near-fainting spells
  • Pale or blue-tinged skin
  • Poor appetite or weight loss

Causes

CCHB occurs due to an abnormality in the development of the heart’s electrical system during fetal growth. It can be associated with other genetic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or chromosomal abnormalities, although the exact cause is not always clear.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing CCHB typically involves:

  • Physical examination to assess heart rate and look for signs of heart disease
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of the heart
  • Echocardiogram to visualize the heart and detect structural abnormalities
  • Holter monitoring to record continuous heart activity over a 24-hour period

Treatment Options

Treatment for CCHB depends on the severity of the condition and may include:

  • Pacemaker implantation to regulate the heart rate
  • Medications to manage symptoms and enhance heart function
  • Heart transplantation in severe or life-threatening cases

Patient Success Stories

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care for children with Congenital Complete Heart Block (CCHB). Here’s why families trust us:

“When our child was diagnosed with CCHB, we were unsure of what the future would hold. The team at Gertrude's Children's Hospital gave us hope. They explained every detail of the condition and the available treatment options. Today, our child is thriving, and we are incredibly grateful for the excellent care we received.”

Sarahmother of a child with CCHB

Congenital Complete Heart Block (CCHB)

With appropriate treatment, many children with CCHB can live normal, active lives. However, without treatment, complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death may arise.

CCHB is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, and Holter monitoring.

Treatment options include pacemaker implantation to regulate heart rhythm, medications to manage symptoms, and in severe cases, heart transplantation.

Contact Us

If your child has been diagnosed with congenital complete heart block or you have concerns about their heart health, contact us today. Our specialists are ready to provide the best care for your child.

Contact us today to learn more about our Congenital Complete Heart Block (CCHB) treatment options.

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