Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentMedicationsHeart TransplantIn AdultsRisk FactorsPreventionComplicationsLiving With It
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Medications
Heart Transplant
In Adults
Risk Factors
Prevention
Complications
Living With It
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a variety of structural and functional abnormalities in the heart that are present at birth.These conditions can affect the heart’s chambers, valves, or blood vessels, varying in severity from relatively minor to life-threatening.
Congenital heart disease occurs during the early stages of fetal development when the heart is forming.It can result from genetic factors, maternal health issues, or environmental factors, although in many cases, the exact cause is not known.There are many types, ranging from simple conditions with no symptoms to those with severe, life-threatening symptoms.
This article covers everything about congenital heart disease, including types, symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.
Morten Falch Sortland / Getty Images
Types of Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease can be classified into these two main categories based on the presence or absence ofcyanosis:
Cyanosis
Cyanosis:Cyanosis is a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, such as the lips and nail beds. It occurs when there is a decreased amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. This lack of oxygen in the blood leads to a higher concentration of deoxygenated hemoglobin, which has a bluish color, making the skin appear bluish.
Acyanosis (non-cyanotic):Acyanosis is the absence of cyanosis, meaning the skin appears pink or normal in color because there is sufficient oxygen in the blood. In the context of congenital heart disease, non-cyanotic congenital heart diseases are heart defects that allow a relatively normal amount of oxygen to be delivered to the body’s tissues.
Cyanotic and Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease
Cyanotic congenital heart diseases include:
Non-cyanotic congenital heart diseases include:
What Are the Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease?
The symptoms of congenital heart disease can vary widely depending on the specific type and severity of the defect. Some individuals will have no noticeable symptoms, while others will experience significant signs of heart problems.
Some common symptoms and signs of congenital heart disease may are:
Regular medical checkups, including prenatal screenings for expectant mothers and postnatal screenings for newborns, can help identify these conditions early. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improving outcomes and managing congenital heart disease effectively.
What Causes Congenital Heart Disease?
The causes of congenital heart disease can be attributed to a combination of factors. Here are the key causes and risk factors:
It’s important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of congenital heart disease, the exact cause can vary among individuals, and in many cases, it remains unknown. Early detection, proper prenatal care, and medical intervention are crucial to managing and treating the conditions.
What Is the Difference Between Heart Disease and Congenital Heart Disease?
How Is Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed?
Congenital heart disease can be diagnosed through various methods. It may be identified before birth, shortly after birth, or later in life, depending on the type and severity of the heart defect.
Before Birth
Many congenital heart diseases can be detected during routine prenatal ultrasound examinations. The ultrasound can show images of the developing fetal heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess its structure and function.
After Birth
After birth, a pediatrician or neonatologist may physically examine the newborn to check for signs of congenital heart diseases, such as heart murmurs, cyanosis, or abnormal heart sounds.
Other diagnostics tools used to diagnose congenital heart diseases include:
Early diagnosis is crucial to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment, especially in severe cases. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan can be developed to address the individual’s unique needs, which may involve medical management, catheter-based interventions, or surgery.
How Is Congenital Heart Disease Treated?
Treatment for congenital heart disease varies depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some congenital heart diseases require no treatment, while others necessitate immediate medical intervention.
In cases of mild congenital heart disease or when the defect doesn’t cause significant symptoms or problems, healthcare providers may opt for regular monitoring and observation to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen over time.
Other common treatment options for congenital heart disease include the following:
Medications can be prescribed to manage symptoms and improve heart function in certain types of congenital heart disease. Medications may help control blood pressure, reduce fluid retention, regulate heart rhythms, or enhance heart muscle function. Medications may include:
Implantable Heart Devices
Implantable heart devices are essential in managing certain congenital heart diseases. These devices are often used to regulate or improve heart rhythms and improve heart function.
Implantable heart devices used in the context of congenital heart disease include:
Catheter Procedures
Some congenital heart diseases can be treated using minimally invasive catheterization techniques. These procedures involve inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, often through the groin, and guiding it to the heart.
Various interventions can be performed through catheterization instead of heart surgeries, including replacing heart valves and repairing heart defects.
Open-Heart Surgery
Open-heart surgery may be necessary for more complex congenital heart diseases or those that cannot be treated with a catheter.
Heart surgery can involve:
Aheart transplantis a surgical procedure in which a failing heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart.Heart transplantation may be considered in severe and irreversible heart damage cases. This treatment option is for individuals with life-threatening congenital heart diseases that cannot be effectively managed through other means.
Congenital Heart Disease in Adults
From childhood into adulthood, those living withcongenital heart defectsshould maintain ongoing care with a specialized cardiologist, even if their defect was repaired.
Some patients may require multiple heart surgeries or catheter-based procedures throughout their lifetime, alongside medication regimens designed to optimize heart function. In some cases, people must take medications to hear their hearts throughout their lifetimes.
Risk Factors for Congenital Heart Disease
Several factors may influence the risk of having a child with a congenital heart defect, including:
How Can Congenital Heart Disease Be Prevented?
In many cases, congenital heart disease is not preventable. However, there are some things you can do to lower your infants risk, including the following:
Complications of Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease can lead to complications that can vary in severity depending on the type and severity of the heart defect. Some common complications may include:
Living With Congenital Heart Disease
If you or your child has a congenital heart disease, it is important to schedule regular health checkups with your healthcare provider, take medications, and go to the dentist regularly.
Your provider may also recommend monitoring your child’s condition, depending on their individual condition:
Summary
Congenital heart disease involves a range of structural and functional abnormalities in the heart present from birth. These conditions can vary in complexity and severity.
While its exact causes often remain unknown, congenital heart disease may result from genetic, environmental, or maternal factors. Early diagnosis through prenatal screenings and postnatal assessments is vital for timely intervention and tailored treatments.
Patients with congenital heart disease can often lead fulfilling lives with the right medical care, including medications, surgical procedures, implantable devices, and regular follow-ups with their healthcare providers.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Congenital heart disease.American Heart Association.The impact of congenital heart defects.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are CHDs?Medline Plus.Blue discoloration of the skin.American Heart Association.Symptoms and diagnosis of congenital heart defects.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Congenital heart defects diagnosis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is cardiac catheterization?Varela-Chinchilla CD, Sánchez-Mejía DE, Trinidad-Calderón PA.Congenital heart disease: The state-of-the-art on Its pharmacological therapeutics. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. 2022; 9(7):201. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd9070201American Heart Association.Implantable medical devices.MedlinePlus.Congenital heart defects.American Heart Association.Heart transplant.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Congenital heart defects causes and risk factors.American Heart Association.Congenital heart defects screening and prevention.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Congenital heart defect - living with.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Congenital heart disease.American Heart Association.The impact of congenital heart defects.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are CHDs?Medline Plus.Blue discoloration of the skin.American Heart Association.Symptoms and diagnosis of congenital heart defects.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Congenital heart defects diagnosis.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is cardiac catheterization?Varela-Chinchilla CD, Sánchez-Mejía DE, Trinidad-Calderón PA.Congenital heart disease: The state-of-the-art on Its pharmacological therapeutics. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. 2022; 9(7):201. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd9070201American Heart Association.Implantable medical devices.MedlinePlus.Congenital heart defects.American Heart Association.Heart transplant.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Congenital heart defects causes and risk factors.American Heart Association.Congenital heart defects screening and prevention.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Congenital heart defect - living with.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Varela-Chinchilla CD, Sánchez-Mejía DE, Trinidad-Calderón PA.Congenital heart disease: The state-of-the-art on Its pharmacological therapeutics. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. 2022; 9(7):201. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd9070201
American Heart Association.Implantable medical devices.
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