Paternal smoking is linked to increased risk of congenital heart defects
Source: European Society of Cardiology
Fathers-to-be who smoke may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in their offspring, according to a new study.
For mothers-to-be, both smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke were detrimental.
Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of stillbirth and affect 8 in 1,000 babies born worldwide.
Prognosis and quality of life continues to improve with innovative surgeries, but the effects are still lifelong.
Smoking is teratogenic, meaning it can cause developmental malformations
The association between prospective parents smoking and the risk of congenital heart defects has attracted more and more attention with the increasing number of smokers of childbearing age.
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