February is International CHD Awareness Month….. childhood heart disease is a global issue!
Some remember the term “Blue Baby” and “Hole in the Heart Baby” – these are conditions that describe CHD which covers a wide range of conditions. At HeartKids, we also include children who may acquire heart conditions such as Rheumatic Fever and Kawasaki’s Disease – therefore we often refer to CHD as meaning Childhood Heart Disease rather than congenital heart disease.
Childhood on-set heart disease includes children born with congenital heart disease and those who acquire it during childhood.
In Australia, there are approximately 300,000 registered births per year resulting in 2,400 – 3,000 babies born each year with a form of congenital heart disease.
HeartKids provides support and information for children, teens, and adults with congenital heart disease as well as those that have acquired a heart condition during childhood.
The National Strategic Action Plan aims to reduce the impact of childhood heart disease (CHD) in Australia and achieve the goal that people with CHD live longer, healthier and more productive lives through effective management of CHD across the life course.
To find out more go to: www.heartkids.org.au/
Download the HeartKids brochure: hkids_SUPPORTFlyer.DL.FINAL.160718 (2)
Want to chat?
Our Helpline is open 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.
To speak to one of our support team please call 1800 432 785 or email support@heartkids.org.au