Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Congenital heart disease refers to problems with how a baby's heart forms. "Congenital" means that the heart problem has been present since birth. There are many different types of congenital heart problems. They can be fairly simple, such as a hole between the chambers of the heart or a heart valve that has not formed right. Others are more serious and complex, such as a missing heart valve or heart chamber. Most problems affect how blood flows through the heart or through the blood vessels near the heart. Some problems may cause blood to flow in a pattern that isn't normal. Others can completely or partially block blood flow. Some problems are discovered in the fetus during pregnancy. Others aren't found until birth. Still others may not be discovered until a child gets older or even until a child is an adult. In most cases, the cause of congenital heart disease isn't known. But genes passed down from a parent are a possible cause. Viral infections also may play a role. Taking some prescription or other medicines during pregnancy may cause congenital heart disease. Symptoms of congenital heart disease will depend on what problem your baby has. Your baby may have symptoms such as tiring quickly, sweating easily, or having trouble breathing. Or your baby may not have symptoms at birth but may have them later. Congenital heart disease in children may be found before or after birth. A fetal echocardiogram may be used to diagnose a problem before birth. After a doctor suspects a heart problem, your baby will probably need several tests. These include a chest X-ray, an echocardiogram, and possibly a cardiac catheterization. Your child's treatment will depend on the type of congenital heart disease. Some problems get better on their own and may not need treatment. Medicine may be used to treat a problem or prevent complications. Some problems are repaired using a thin tube called a catheter. More complex problems may need surgery. In most cases, the cause of congenital heart disease isn't known. But certain things increase the chance of having congenital heart disease. These include: Congenital heart disease causes a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms will depend on what problem your baby has. Babies with congenital heart disease may have one or more of these symptoms: In some cases, a child's congenital heart disease may be so mild that symptoms won't appear until the child is a teenager or young adult. Congenital heart disease may cause problems with blood flow through the heart after a baby is born. The problems can affect the baby's blood and oxygen supply. Congenital heart disease includes many types of problems. If the problem lowers the amount of oxygen in the body, it is called cyanotic. If the problem doesn't affect oxygen in the body, it is called acyanotic. Most problems require treatment. Other problems get better on their own and don't require treatment. Not all problems are found when a child is very young. Some don't cause symptoms and aren't life-threatening. These problems may not be found until the teen years or later. Most children with congenital heart disease grow up and live full and healthy lives as adults. But some adults have a shorter life span than average if the problem is severe or if heart failure or other complications happen. Most children and adults with congenital heart disease lead healthy lives. But the treatments they've had or the heart problem itself can cause or be related to long-term problems. These include: Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if your child has severe difficulty breathing, faints, or has seizures. Call your doctor now if your child with congenital heart disease has: Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if: Testing for congenital heart disease can be done during pregnancy or after a baby's birth. In many cases, congenital heart disease is found at birth or during a baby's first few months. A fetal echocardiogram is the best test before a baby's birth. The test uses sound waves to take pictures of the baby's heart. The fetal echocardiogram may be done if: A newborn screening test may find a heart problem. The test is called an oximetry test. It checks the oxygen level in the blood. Congenital heart disease can also be found in the first month after a baby is born. Your doctor may take a medical history, do a physical exam, and ask about the baby's symptoms, appetite, and other habits. Your baby will get other tests to find a heart problem. Not all problems are found when a child is very young. Some problems don't cause symptoms and aren't life-threatening. These problems may not be found until the teen years or later. Tests that can help diagnose a heart problem include: More tests may be needed, depending on the symptoms and type of problem. These may include: Treatment is based on the type of problem. Some types of congenital heart disease get better on their own and may not need treatment. Your child's age, size, and general health also are important. A child may need: Your child will also need regular visits to a pediatric cardiologist. Medicines may be used to treat congenital heart disease until the problem can be repaired. Some children and adults need to take medicine even after the problem is repaired. Children with certain types of congenital heart disease that can't be completely repaired may have to take medicines for a long time. Treatment with medicines depends on the: Medicines may be used to: Prostaglandins and prostaglandin inhibitors help keep open or close a fetal blood vessel that normally closes at birth. This valve is called the ductus arteriosus. Surgery and catheterizations are used to repair many types of congenital heart disease. The kind of surgery will depend on what type of problem the child has. Surgery may: In rare cases, a heart transplant may be needed. With catheterization, a doctor threads a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel into the heart. The doctor can check the heart and treat a problem. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Congenital Heart Disease in Children
Condition Basics
What is congenital heart disease?
What causes it?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is congenital heart disease treated?
What Increases Your Risk
Symptoms
What Happens
Problems that can happen with congenital heart disease
When to Call a Doctor
Exams and Tests
Tests during pregnancy
Tests after a baby is born
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Treatment Overview
Self-Care
Taking care of your child
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Medicines
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Surgery
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Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review BoardCongenital Heart Disease in Children
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.