Congenital heart disease (heart defect at birth)

Description A problem with the ...

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 they go 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

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
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), and cardiac catheterization.

Tests:
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), Cardiac catheterization, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Echocardiogram (ECHO), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), Troponin, X-ray

Specialists:
Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the defect and can include medicine, heart catheterization, surgery or a heart transplant. Many children with congenital heart disease go on to live normal lives.