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Congenital Heart Disease
Structural heart problems present from birth, ranging from small holes that close on their own to complex defects needing surgery.
Causes & risk factors
- Problems in heart development before birth
- Genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome)
- Infections during pregnancy (such as rubella)
- Certain medicines, alcohol or diabetes in pregnancy
- Often no identifiable cause
Common symptoms
- Breathlessness
- Bluish lips or skin in babies
- Tiring easily / poor feeding
- Poor growth in children
- Palpitations
- Heart murmur
Tests & diagnosis
- Echocardiogram
- ECG
- Chest X-ray
- Pulse oximetry (oxygen level)
- Cardiac MRI or catheterisation
Treatment & management
- Regular monitoring for small defects
- Medicines to support the heart and manage symptoms
- Catheter-based procedures to close holes or open valves
- Corrective or staged surgery for complex defects
- Lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist
When to see a doctor urgently
- Seek emergency care if a baby turns blue, breathes very fast or feeds very poorly
- See a paediatric cardiologist if a murmur or poor growth is noted
- Continue follow-up into adulthood even after childhood repair
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about congenital heart disease. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can congenital heart defects be cured?
Many can be fully repaired, especially when found early; others are managed lifelong.
Can adults have congenital heart disease?
Yes — some defects are mild and only found in adulthood, and repaired patients need ongoing follow-up.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.