Question
Can newborns with heart disease heal on their own?
Answer
Congenital heart disease in newborns can sometimes heal on its own, particularly if it involves mild pulmonary artery duct patency or ventricular septal defects with small sizes. If the child shows no symptoms of hypoxia, observation can be considered. However, if the condition does not heal on its own, surgery should be performed before the child turns five years old. Ventricular septal defect is a common congenital heart disease, and this anomaly does not heal on its own. Early surgery is necessary to prevent complications such as lung infections and heart failure, which can further affect the child’s development and lifespan.