Congenital Heart Disease (Heart Defect At Birth)
Description
A problem with the structure of the heart. It is present at birth and is the most common type of major birth defect. A baby's heart develops while in the womb and structural defects can occur during this time. These heart defects can involve any portion of the heart including the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart and the arteries and veins of the heart. The defects can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart, and prevent the baby from getting enough oxygen. Babies may not show signs of these problems immediately after birth but can begin having symptoms after the baby goes home from the hospital. Some heart defects can be very serious and even result in death.
Symptoms
Breathing problems, blue fingers/toes or lips (cyanosis), poor feeding, fatigue, fainting, chest pain, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, stunted growth, poor exercise tolerance.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests used to diagnose the heart abnormality include: electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x-ray, echocardiogram, Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Cardiac catheterization, Exercise stress test.
- Arterial Blood Gas
- Cardiac catheterization
- CBC
- Chem 12
- CT Scan
- Echocardiogram
- EKG
- MRI
- Transesophageal echocardiogram
- Troponin
- X-Ray
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the defect and can include medicine, heart catheterizations, surgery or a heart transplant. Many children with complex heart defects go on to lead lives into adulthood.
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