A congenital heart disease is a heart defect that is present from birth. At least eight in every 1,000 babies are born with a heart or circulatory condition. Some cause no problems at all and others can be treated successfully.

What causes congenital heart disease and who can get it?

Congenital heart disease is heart disease that affects babies and young children. Most children will be treated and make a full recovery before they are adults.

In most cases of congenital heart disease doctors don’t know what causes it. Some heart problems in babies are because of faulty genes. These are passed down from their parents. Infections, such as German measles, are another possible cause.

Heart defects can also be related to a mother’s health during her pregnancy.

Common examples of congenital heart disease

• Openings in the internal wall of the heart,
• Narrowing of the heart valves
• Narrowing of the main artery of the body
• Blockages in the pathways between the heart and the lungs
• Abnormal connections between the chambers and vessels of the heart.

What are the signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease?

Babies and young people who have congenital heart disease often have a bluish colour to their skin. This is because their heart is failing to pump enough oxygen around their body.

Normal babies usually breathe quickly, but those with heart disease may breathe even quicker. They also get tired easily when breastfeeding and put on weight slowly.

Older children may also be short of breath, even when resting. This can make them dizzy and faint.
Congenital heart disease often causes a heart murmur.

Usually, a heart murmur on its own is nothing to worry about. But along with other symptoms it can be a sign of congenital heart disease.

How is it normally diagnosed and treated?

About a quarter of congenital heart defects are detected before a baby is even born. Routine ultrasound scans pick up if a babies heart beat is irregular.

Most heart conditions are diagnosed after birth.

A heart murmur is usually diagnosed by your doctor before you’re aged one. If he/she suspects it to be a sign of heart disease you have more tests.

These tests, called cardiac investigations, are carried out by a paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in children's illnesses), or a paediatric cardiologist (a children's heart specialist).

The tests could include:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG) - this is where sticky patches are put on your arms and legs and then connected a machine that records your heart rhythm for any irregularities,

• A chest x-ray - this shows the size and position of your heart.

• An echocardiogram - a painless probe is placed on to your chest, abdomen and neck. These detect the structure of the heart and how it is working.

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanning - this is a scan that gives a detailed picture of your internal organs.

• Cardiac catheterisation – for this a tube is inserted through your stomach and guided through to the heart. A special dye that shows up under X-ray is injected through the tube, and an X-ray is taken to show how the blood is running through your heart.

How is it usually treated?

Congenital heart disease is usually treated by heart surgery. This corrects anything that is wrong with your heart.

In recent years there has been a great improvement in heart surgery. Nowadays most cases of congenital heart disease can be completely cured.

Looking forward

Sometimes more surgery is needed in later life. But most children with congenital heart disease make a full recovery and go on to lead a normal life.

For more help and Information

If you would like to know more about congenital heart disease, please ask your doctor.

You can also find more help and information on the website of the British Heart Foundation.

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 29 August 2007

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