But it’s highly complex research. Finding the genetic causes is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Every person is made up of approximately 20,000 genes and there may be hundreds and hundreds of genes involved in the development of the human heart.
So far, scientists have already discovered 130 different genes which can impact a baby’s healthy heart formation in the womb. But it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
1 out of 100 babies are born with a heart defect. Unfortunately, the cause of 80% of cases is still unknown.
The more scientists learn about the genetic problems that can cause childhood heart disease, the closer we come to developing treatments that could save lives.
It’s about finding answers and giving hope to heartbroken families.
If there is one thing every new parent hopes for, it’s a healthy baby.
Your support today could lead to possible prevention methods so all babies can be born with healthy hearts.
You will bring us a step closer to discovering the answer so that children can enjoy life running around having fun, instead of undergoing open-heart surgery in hospital.
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal of the Eora nation, on which we meet, work, and discover.
Our Western Australian laboratories pay their respect to the Whadjuk Noongar who remain as the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land.
