Risk factor profiling in congenital heart disease: maternal and foetal determinants

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) pose a substantial challenge to global public health, significantly impacting infant morbidity and mortality rates. This investigation seeks to examine the environmental factors, such as air and water pollution, and workplace exposures, that may influence the occurrence of CHDs in the area. The study evaluated mothers' exposure to various environmental contaminants, lifestyle choices, maternal health, and local industrial activities. Initial results indicate that exposure to high concentrations of air and water pollutants, especially from nearby mining and agricultural operations, may be strongly associated with a higher incidence of CHDs. Moreover, socioeconomic conditions, consanguineous marriages, and insufficient access to prenatal care were identified as important contributing factors.