Palomar Pomerado Health Centers Medical Group Inc.
01/25/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/25/2022 19:37
Congenital Heart Disease Screening
Congenital Heart Disease Screening
01.25.2022
In recognition of American Heart Month (February), Palomar Health's Birth Centers in Escondido and Poway would like everyone to know every newborn receives a congenital heart disease screening before he/she leaves the hospital as an early intervention/prevention measure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 7,200 babies born each year in the United States have critical congenital heart defects and need surgery or other procedures during the first year of life.
Palomar Health performs a congenital heart disease screening on newborns using pulse oximetry after a baby reaches one day of age. "This is a non-invasive screening in which we measure the amount of oxygen in a baby's blood," says Palomar Health's Director of District Women's Services Amy Murray. "The test is painless and takes a few minutes."
The pulse oximetry screening can often detect critical congenital heart defects before the blood oxygen levels become too low. For a more complete examination, Palomar Health Birth Center nurses and physicians also look for breathing issues, a heavy heartbeat or a weak pulse, an extremely sleepy newborn, and blue skin.
If the newborn passes the screening, the baby does not show low levels of oxygen and will most likely not have a critical congenital heart defect. If the baby fails the screen, the baby might get screened again or have more tests to diagnose any cardiovascular issues.
For more information about the birth centers at Palomar Health, you can visit the pregnancy and birth website.
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