Small Hearts. Big Challenges.

 

Early Detection Leads to Early Prevention

Small hearts can conceal big challenges, especially when it comes to congenital heart defects. It’s one of the most common birth defects in the U.S. and the leading killer of infants with birth defects.

What if we could do something simple to ensure a strong start for a new life? We can. It is through screening for critical congenital heart defects using pulse oximetry testing.

What is pulse oximetry screening? It is a simple test that helps spot heart defects in newborns. This test is both quick and painless, but more importantly, it saves lives. Before a baby leaves the hospital, the test helps identify heart defects, potentially saving its life.

Despite this, pulse ox is not required in all states, allowing thousands of parents to take their child home without knowing the condition of his or her heart.

This is where we need help! We need pulse oximetry tests in every state!

Why?  The evidence speaks for itself: Wider use of pulse ox screening could help identify more than 90 percent of heart defects.

And in case you need more convincing: Congenital heart defects (CHD), are the most common birth defect in the U.S. and the leading killer of infants with birth defects. And they cost money: In 2004, hospital costs for all individuals with CHD totaled $2.6 billion.

Over 40 states have already passed laws, or are in the process, requiring newborns to have pulse ox screenings prior to being discharged from the hospital. But we won’t stop until all newborns have access to this lifesaving test!

It’s time to ensure every child has a healthy heart. Help us spread the word and tell your legislator to support pulse oximetry testing for all newborns.

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