Congenital Heart Defects-Topic Overview

Congenital Heart Defects - Topic Overview

Congenital Heart Defects Guide

• Topic Overview
• Cause
• Symptoms
• What Happens
• What Increases Your Risk
• When To Call a Doctor
• Exams and Tests
• Treatment Overview
• Prevention
• Home Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Other Treatment
• Other Places To Get Help
• Related Information
• References
• Credits

If a baby has a large or complex defect, the baby may need one or more open-heart surgeries. The surgery may be done right away, done over several steps, or delayed until the baby is stronger. Sometimes surgery is delayed if the baby is premature or until the baby is strong enough to handle the surgery. In some cases, the child may need different types of surgery over time as he or she grows.

In rare cases, a heart defect may be so serious that a heart transplant is needed.

Learning about congenital heart defects:	What are congenital heart defects? What causes them? What are the symptoms? What are the types of congenital heart defects?
Being diagnosed:	How are congenital heart defects diagnosed? When should my baby see a doctor? What is an echocardiogram? What is a heart catheterization?
Getting treatment:	How are congenital heart defects treated? What medicines are used? What types of defects can be corrected during a heart catheterization? When is surgery needed?
Ongoing concerns:	What is a heart murmur? What are the complications of congenital heart disease?
Living with congenital heart defects:	What can I do at home to manage congenital heart defects? How can I care for my child? How can adults live well with a heart defect? How do I plan for pregnancy? Is exercise safe if you have a congenital heart defect?