Letter: All little hearts deserve same chance

Dear Editor,

This week (Feb. 7-14) is Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week. According to the American Heart Association, heart defects are among the most common birth defects and are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths.

The word “congenital” means existing at birth. The terms “congenital heart defect” and “congenital heart disease” are often used to mean the same thing, but “defect” is more accurate. The heart ailment is a defect or abnormality, not a disease. A defect results when the heart or blood vessels near the heart don’t develop normally before birth.

Today, it is possible to fix most defects, even those once deemed hopeless. But to fix them, we have to know about them. The American Heart Association wants to help little hearts with big challenges by requiring that all Louisiana hospitals conduct a non-invasive test, which cost approximately $2, as a part of the routine birth screenings.

Approximately 9 people in 1,000 are born with a congenital heart defect. In the upcoming legislative session, let’s give all little hearts the same chance.

Catherine Straatmann,

Houma,

American Heart Association volunteer