Congenital Heart Defects
Common ConditionHeart problems present at birth affecting heart structure and function, ranging from minor to complex defects needing surgery.
Symptoms
Blue tint to skin and lips
Rapid breathing
Poor feeding in infants
Fatigue during activity
Swelling
Heart murmur
Frequent respiratory infections
Fainting during exercise
Slow growth
Chest pain
Causes
1
Genetic factors2
Chromosomal abnormalities3
Family history4
Maternal rubella5
Diabetes during pregnancy6
Medications during pregnancy7
Alcohol during pregnancy8
Smoking during pregnancy9
Down syndrome10
Often unknown causeTreatments
Monitoring for minor defects
Medications
Cardiac catheterization
Open-heart surgery
Heart transplant
Oxygen therapy
Pacemakers or ICDs
Lifelong follow-up
Activity modifications
Antibiotic prophylaxis
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate care if a baby has blue skin, difficulty breathing, or poor feeding. For older patients, see a doctor for unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or fainting.
Find a Specialist NowAbout Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital Heart Defects: Hearts Different from Birth
CHDs are the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 babies. Thanks to medical advances, many now live healthy lives into adulthood with proper treatment and follow-up.
Prevention
Risk may be reduced by vaccinating against rubella, taking folic acid, controlling diabetes, and avoiding alcohol/tobacco during pregnancy.
"Ang puso na kakaiba mula pagsilang ay kaya rin magmahal nang buong puso."
Doctors Treating Congenital Heart Defects
