Key Points
The term “congenital heart defect” describes a structural problem (or defect) in the heart that is present at birth. The defects occur during the development of a baby's heart. A part of the heart, heart valves, and/or blood vessels near the heart do not develop properly. Congenital heart defects can cause blood flow to: Slow down; Go in the wrong direction or to the wrong place; Be blocked completely; Congenital heart defects are the most common type of major birth defect. Each year, more than 30,000 babies in the United States are born with congenital heart defects. There are many types of congenital heart defects. They are due to: Holes in the wall of the heart or blood vessels; Problems with the heart valves; Problems with the placement or development of blood vessels near the heart; Problems with development of the heart itself
Doctors do not know what causes most cases of congenital heart defects. Heredity may play a role.
The most common signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects are: A heart murmur; A bluish tint to skin, lips, and fingernails ("blue baby"); Fast breathing; Shortness of breath; Poor feeding, especially in infants because they tire easily while nursing; Poor weight gain in infants
Tiring easily during exercise or activity (older children); Doctors usually diagnose a congenital heart defect while the child is still very young. In some children, it is not diagnosed for a number of years. Sometimes congenital heart defects can be diagnosed before the baby is born. An echocardiogram is the test most often used to diagnose congenital heart defects. It helps diagnose heart failure and problems with how the heart is formed.
Doctors treat congenital heart defects with: Medicines; Special procedures using catheters; Surgery; Heart transplants; The treatment your child receives depends on the type and severity of the defect. Other factors include your child's age, size, and general health. With new advances in testing and treatment, many children with congenital heart defects grow into adulthood and live healthy, productive lives. Some continue to need specialized care to survive and to maintain a good quality of life.
The term “congenital heart defect” describes a structural problem (or defect) in the heart that is present at birth. The defects occur during the development of a baby's heart. A part of the heart, heart valves, and/or blood vessels near the heart do not develop properly. Congenital heart defects can cause blood flow to: Slow down; Go in the wrong direction or to the wrong place; Be blocked completely; Congenital heart defects are the most common type of major birth defect. Each year, more than 30,000 babies in the United States are born with congenital heart defects. There are many types of congenital heart defects. They are due to: Holes in the wall of the heart or blood vessels; Problems with the heart valves; Problems with the placement or development of blood vessels near the heart; Problems with development of the heart itself
Doctors do not know what causes most cases of congenital heart defects. Heredity may play a role.
The most common signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects are: A heart murmur; A bluish tint to skin, lips, and fingernails ("blue baby"); Fast breathing; Shortness of breath; Poor feeding, especially in infants because they tire easily while nursing; Poor weight gain in infants
Tiring easily during exercise or activity (older children); Doctors usually diagnose a congenital heart defect while the child is still very young. In some children, it is not diagnosed for a number of years. Sometimes congenital heart defects can be diagnosed before the baby is born. An echocardiogram is the test most often used to diagnose congenital heart defects. It helps diagnose heart failure and problems with how the heart is formed.
Doctors treat congenital heart defects with: Medicines; Special procedures using catheters; Surgery; Heart transplants; The treatment your child receives depends on the type and severity of the defect. Other factors include your child's age, size, and general health. With new advances in testing and treatment, many children with congenital heart defects grow into adulthood and live healthy, productive lives. Some continue to need specialized care to survive and to maintain a good quality of life.
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