Overview
Diagnosis
A congenital heart defect may be diagnosed during pregnancy or after birth. Signs of certain heart defects can be detected on a routine fetal ultrasound.
After a baby is born, healthcare professionals may suspect a congenital heart defect if the baby shows:
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Growth delays
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Color changes in the lips, tongue, or nails
A doctor may also hear a heart murmur using a stethoscope. While most murmurs are harmless, some may indicate abnormal blood flow due to a heart defect.
Tests for Diagnosis
To confirm congenital heart defects, several diagnostic tests may be performed:
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Pulse oximetry: Measures oxygen levels in the blood using a fingertip sensor. Low oxygen levels can suggest a heart or lung issue.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records the heart’s electrical activity to detect rhythm or structural problems.
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Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create moving images of the heart and blood flow. When done before birth, it’s called a fetal echocardiogram.
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Chest X-ray: Shows heart size and lung condition, helping identify heart enlargement or excess lung fluid.
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Cardiac catheterization: A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through a blood vessel to the heart, providing detailed information about heart function and blood flow.
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Heart MRI (Cardiac MRI): Produces 3D images of the heart using magnetic fields and radio waves, helping evaluate structure and function.
Treatment
Treatment for congenital heart defects depends on the type and severity of the defect.
Some defects cause no long-term health problems and may not require treatment. Others, such as small holes in the heart, may close naturally as a child grows. Severe cases may need immediate medical intervention.
Treatment options include:
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Medications
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Heart procedures
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Heart surgery
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Heart transplant
Medications
Medicines may be prescribed to control symptoms or support heart function, and they can be used alone or with other treatments.
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Blood pressure medicines: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta blockers help regulate blood pressure and heart workload.
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Diuretics (water pills): Help remove excess fluid, reducing strain on the heart.
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Anti-arrhythmics: Control irregular heart rhythms.
Surgery and Procedures
For severe congenital heart defects, surgical or catheter-based interventions may be required.
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Cardiac catheterization: Minimally invasive method to repair heart defects using catheters guided through blood vessels. Can fix holes or narrow passages without open surgery.
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Heart surgery: Open-heart or minimally invasive procedures to repair complex defects.
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Heart transplant: Considered when the defect cannot be repaired through surgery.
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Fetal cardiac intervention: A rare procedure performed before birth to correct or reduce complications in severe cases.
Follow-up and Lifelong Care
Children with congenital heart defects often need ongoing medical care and multiple procedures throughout life.
Regular follow-ups with a pediatric cardiologist are essential for monitoring heart function and detecting complications early. Periodic blood tests and imaging studies ensure long-term heart health.
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