What is congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease means one or more structural problems of the heart or its great vessels that are present from birth. The spectrum is wide: from small holes that may close on their own, to complex defects that need several operations in childhood. Thanks to advances in treatment, most children born with heart defects now reach adulthood, and many adults live with a congenital heart condition that needs lifelong follow-up.
Common types
- Holes between the heart chambers (ASD, VSD)
- A persistent duct between the aorta and lung artery (PDA)
- Narrowed or abnormal heart valves
- Abnormal connections of the great arteries
- Single-ventricle and other complex defects
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the defect. They may include a heart murmur, breathlessness, tiring easily, poor weight gain in infants, a bluish tint to the lips or nails, palpitations or dizziness. Some mild defects cause no symptoms and are found during a routine check.
When to seek care
Call your local emergency services for new or worsening blueness, severe breathlessness, fainting or chest pain — especially in a child with a known heart defect.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
An echocardiogram is the main test; some patients also need MRI or cardiac catheterisation. Treatment ranges from simple monitoring, to closing a hole with a device closure procedure, to heart surgery. Adults with congenital heart disease should remain under the care of a specialist team, plan pregnancy together with their cardiologist, and keep follow-up appointments even when they feel well.
Related: device closure · balloon pulmonary valvotomy · arrhythmias