Heart defect present from birth (congenital heart defect)

Overview

Many heart defects are found before birth or in the first days of life.

Adults with repaired defects still need regular heart checks.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Heart defect

Less common

• Tiredness
• Blue skin

Look up a symptom: Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Heart development.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history
• Babies of mothers with diabetes or who drank alcohol in pregnancy: Higher risk
• Babies with Down syndrome: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Heart failure: Some defects strain the heart
• Endocarditis (infected heart valve): Some defects raise the risk

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Echo:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Keep cardiology follow-ups
• Ask about dental antibiotics

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults: Need an adult congenital heart specialist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most children with heart defects grow up healthy.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• What activities are safe?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Heart defect present from birth (congenital heart defect)