Patient's question:
Premature baby, born at 38 weeks, due to an irregular heartbeat and choking in the womb, was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for ten days of close observation and treatment, then transferred to a general ward. A monitoring device was attached, showing one value consistently in the 90s, and the average heart rate was also only in the 90s. What is the problem? The cardiologist said there is a small hole, which does not require treatment and will heal on its own, but why is the heart rate slow?Doctor's answer:
According to your description, newborns spend most of their time napping, with an average heart rate of around 90, which is normal. Another number over 90 is the blood oxygen saturation. The irregular heartbeat is likely related to fetal distress and brain edema. You have already been transferred to a general ward, which indicates that the condition has improved after treatment. The hole you mentioned should be a patent foramen ovale. You can have a follow-up check in two months, as most of them close on their own. Currently, the condition is still very good, so please rest assured.