The event was attended by Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Türkçüer, Deputy Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Muhammet Arslan, Deputy Chief Physician Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gürbüz Akçay, Hospital Chief Manager Dr. Murat Taşer, Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology Assoc. Prof. Dr. Münevver Yılmaz, Assistant Professor Eyüp Aslan, faculty members, healthcare professionals, children, and their families.

 

Speaking at the event, Head of the Pediatric Cardiology Division Assoc. Prof. Dr. Münevver Yılmaz stated the following: “Congenital heart diseases rank first among congenital anomalies and account for approximately 1 percent of all live births. In our country, around 15,000 babies are born each year with congenital heart disease, and approximately 25 percent of these babies require interventional procedures or surgical intervention in order to survive. The most commonly encountered conditions include holes in the heart as well as valve and vessel stenosis. In addition, more severe and complex anomalies may also be seen, such as the absence of development of a heart chamber, valve, or major vessels. However, today, thanks to early diagnosis, a large proportion of these diseases can be successfully treated. Diagnosis can be made through physical examination and pulse oximetry screenings performed after birth, and it can now also be detected before birth through fetal echocardiography performed during pregnancy. In infants, rapid fatigue during feeding, sweating, rapid breathing, cyanosis, frequent lung infections, and growth retardation are among the important symptoms. In older children, symptoms such as easy fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, and fainting may be observed. Some patients may have no symptoms at all; diagnosis can be made through evaluations carried out after a heart murmur is detected during examinations conducted for another reason. It is of great importance for families to be patient during this process and not to neglect follow-up visits for their children. Some surgeries may not be completed in a single stage, and additional surgeries may be required in later periods. Therefore, regular postoperative follow-ups and close monitoring of children’s nutrition, growth, and development are necessary.”

 

“With early diagnosis and timely treatment in congenital heart diseases, the vast majority of children can lead a healthy life.”

 

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Türkçüer said: “Congenital heart diseases are among the most common congenital anomalies both worldwide and in our country. Through early diagnosis, regular follow-up, and a conscious societal approach, it becomes possible for our children to step into a healthy future. Universities are not only institutions of education and research, but also pioneers of social responsibility. On this meaningful day, I hope that the event organized will increase awareness in the light of science, provide hope to our families, and foster sensitivity among our youth. I thank all our academics, healthcare professionals, and everyone who contributed, and wish for healthy tomorrows.”

 

The event continued with the distribution of gifts donated by philanthropist businessman Saffet Girgin to be presented to the children, and concluded with group photographs following songs sung by the children and poems that were recited.