A congenital heart defect is a problem with the structure of the heart that a child is born with.

Some congenital heart defects in children are simple and do not need treatment. Other congenital heart defects in children are more complex and may require several surgeries performed over a period of several years.

Learning about your child congenital heart defect can help you understand the condition and know what you can expect in the coming months and years

Symptoms

Serious congenital heart defects usually are noticed soon after birth or during the first few months of life. Signs and symptoms could include:

When to see a doctor

Serious congenital heart defects are often diagnosed before or soon after your child is born. If you notice that your baby has any of the signs or symptoms above, call your health care provider.

Complications

Potential complications of a congenital heart defect include:

•Congestive heart failure. This serious complication may develop in babies who have a significant heart defect. Signs of congestive heart failure include rapid breathing, often with gasping breaths, and poor weight gain.

•Heart infections. Congenital heart defects can increase the risk of infection of the heart tissue (endocarditis), which can lead to new heart valve problems.

•Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). A congenital heart defect or scarring from heart surgery may cause changes in the rhythm of the heart.

•Slower growth and development (developmental delays). Children with more-serious congenital heart defects often develop and grow more slowly than do children who do not have heart defects. They may be smaller than other children of the same age. If the nervous system has been affected, a child may learn to walk and talk later than other children.

•Stroke. Although uncommon, some children with congenital heart defects are at increased risk of stroke due to blood clots traveling through a hole in the heart and on to the brain.

•Mental health disorders. Some children with congenital heart defects may develop anxiety or stress because of developmental delays, activity restrictions or learning difficulties. Talk to your child provider if you are concerned about the mental health of your child.

Prevention

Because the exact cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown, it may not be possible to prevent these conditions. If you have a high risk of giving birth to a child with a congenital heart defect, genetic testing and screening may be done during pregnancy.

There are some steps you can take to help reduce your child overall risk of birth defects such as:

•Get proper prenatal care. Regular checkups with a health care provider during pregnancy can help keep mom and baby healthy.

•Take a multivitamin with folic acid. Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily has been shown to reduce birth defects in the brain and spinal cord. It may help reduce the risk of heart defects as well.

•Do not drink or smoke. These lifestyle habits can harm the health of a baby. Also avoid secondhand smoke.

•Get a rubella (German measles) vaccine. A rubella infection during pregnancy may affect a baby heart development. Get vaccinated before trying to get pregnant.

•Control blood sugar. If you have diabetes, good control of your blood sugar can reduce the risk of congenital heart defects.

•Manage chronic health conditions. If you have other health conditions, including phenylketonuria, talk to your health care provider about the best way to treat and manage them.

•Avoid harmful substances. During pregnancy, have someone else do any painting and cleaning with strong-smelling products.

•Check with your provider before taking any medications. Some medications can cause birth defects. Tell your provider about all the medications you take, including those bought without a prescription