Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease is a defect of the heart that exists at birth. One percent of babies are born with a heart defect. Sometimes the defect improves without treatment. At other times the defect is small and does not require treatment.

There are 3 kinds of problems caused by congenital heart disease or defects:

• blood flow in the heart is obstructed
• blood flow is abnormal or
• the heart cannot pump blood because it is not completely developed

Blood flow obstruction occurs when the valves, or arteries, leading from the heart are abnormal. This can put a strain on the heart muscle. These problems can often be corrected with surgery.

Abnormal blood flow usually occurs when there is a hole in the walls of the heart. Occasionally, there is an abnormal connection between two arteries outside the heart. In some cases, blood enters the body that should go to the lungs. When this happens, the child will have a bluish color, or cyanosis, of the skin or lips. At other times, blood may go to the lungs that should go to the body. This puts a strain on the heart and lungs. If a part of the heart does not develop completely, the heart may not function well when the child is born. These situations are very serious and may require surgery.

Most defects cause a whispering sound, or murmur, as blood moves through the heart. To make an accurate diagnosis of a congenital defect, a doctor may want to order tests such as an ultrasound or heart dye x-ray test.

Mild congenital heart defects may not be noticed until the person is an adult. Occasionally, the congenital heart defect is serious and needs to be repaired by surgery. About 10 percent of all congenital heart defects are associated with a gene problem, such as Down syndrome. Other causes include:

• an infection in the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella or German measles or
• a medicine or drug the mother has used

Most of the time, however, the causes of congenital heart disease are not known.

Many people with congenital heart defects can live normal lives. Some may need to limit their activities and take medicines. Almost all persons with congenital defects will need to take antibiotics before dental procedures or certain surgeries. This is to prevent bacteria from infecting their heart. For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association or call (800) 242-8721.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CARD3483.RF2 VRS# 6179 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.