BOSTON– Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) recently co-sponsored a Joint Resolution filed by Representative Colleen Garry (D-Dracut) that recognizes the week of February 7th -14th as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.

Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are present at birth and exist when structural irregularities of the heart change the normal flow of blood. CHDs may range from simple defects with no symptoms to more complex defects with severe, life-threatening impacts.

“Spreading awareness about CHDs and encouraging early detection is critical” said Sen. Moore. “While advances in medical care and technology have significantly minimized some of the risks, it is important for the 1 million adults living with CHDs to pay special attention to how the condition could affect their overall health.”

CHDs affect 8 out of every 1,000 newborns and are widely recognized as one of the most common birth defects. Each year, more than 35,000 babies in the United States are born with CHDs. While many infants with a CHD do not require medical treatment for the condition, some may need special medical care soon after birth. As a result, almost all children who have complex heart defects survive to adulthood and can live active, productive lives.

Additional information and resources regarding CHDs may be obtained from your physician or by visiting the American Heart Association’s website, www.heart.org.