Congenital heart disease — what it is and how to manage it

Congenital heart disease (CHD) means a problem with the heart's structure present from birth. Some defects are tiny and cause no symptoms. Others change blood flow and need surgery or ongoing care. Knowing the basics helps you spot issues early and get the right care.

Most people think CHD always shows at birth. Not true. Mild defects can show up later in childhood or even adulthood. If a child tires easily, sweats while feeding, has poor weight gain, bluish skin, or gets frequent lung infections, see a doctor. For adults, shortness of breath, fainting, or unexplained fatigue deserve a check-up, especially if you were born with a heart murmur.

Common types and how they affect the heart

There are lots of CHD types. Here are a few you’ll hear about often: holes between chambers (like atrial or ventricular septal defects), valve problems that leak or obstruct flow, and complex conditions such as Tetralogy of Fallot. Each one changes how blood moves through the heart and lungs. That shift affects oxygen levels and the workload on the heart. Doctors use that info to choose treatment.

Diagnosis, treatment, and everyday care

Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and a heart murmur. Then comes imaging — echocardiogram is the main tool. Sometimes doctors order an EKG, chest X-ray, CT, or MRI. For treatment, options range from watchful waiting to medication, catheter procedures, or surgery. Many kids who need early surgery go on to live active lives with routine follow-up.

Medications help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Antibiotics before dental work used to be routine for some CHD cases; now rules are tighter and based on current risk. If you take blood thinners or other heart meds, follow dosing and monitoring advice closely. Keep regular cardiology visits and share any new symptoms right away.

Pregnancy needs special planning. Some heart defects increase risk during pregnancy for both the parent and baby. If you're planning pregnancy and have CHD, talk to a cardiologist who knows pregnancy care early on. They’ll review your heart, adjust medications, and plan monitoring during pregnancy and delivery.

Everyday life matters. Focus on heart-healthy habits: avoid smoking, stay active within your limits, eat balanced meals, and manage stress. Vaccines like flu and COVID can prevent infections that strain the heart. Also, carry a summary of your heart condition and treatments — it helps ER staff act fast if needed.

Want more tailored info? Check trusted sources and national heart centers for guidelines, and always talk with your care team before making changes. If you need help finding specialists, rehab programs, or support groups, we can point you toward resources that match your age and situation.

Explore our articles on treatments, medication options, and patient stories for practical tips. Use tag links to find related posts or contact our team for help finding specialists and reliable guides today.