A campaign launched today seeks to highlight the large numbers of babies born with heart defects.
Some 12 babies are born every day across the UK with these problems, campaigners say.
This makes heart problems the most common defect at birth, affecting one in 180 babies, say the British Heart Foundation in statistics released today (21 August).
The death rate from these congenital defects has fallen more than 80 per cent in the last 30 years, thanks to improvements in surgery and treatment, campaigns say. Now there are 70,000 children living with the effects of heart defects.
The campaign, called Fight for Every Heartbeat, highlights the fact that heart problems "don’t only affect fat, middle-aged men".
"The fact 70,000 children are living with heart defects shows that heart disease is not just a problem for adults," says Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director of the charity. "Our research is beginning to unravel how some of these defects occur. But there’s still a long way to go. Families need our support in other ways too, to help them understand and come to terms with what’s happening to their child."
As part of the campaign, the British Heart Foundation has released a DVD and series of booklets for parents and carers called ‘Understanding your child’s heart’. They have published a storybook called Operation Fix-it for children who need heart operations.
Mum Susie Cook says: "I had to call 999 twice before my daughter Zoe had her operation because she went grey in her sleep. It was a horrendous experience. Fortunately the operation was very successful and Zoe’s recovered really well. "
She adds: "My advice to any parent in the same situation is to make sure you have the information you need, and that you understand it."
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