Congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defects

• Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart.
• There are many types of congenital heart defects ranging from simple to very complex.

Signs and Symptoms

• Many congenital heart defects have few or no symptoms.
• Severe defects can cause symptoms, usually in newborn babies. These symptoms can include - Rapid breathing, a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails, tiredness, and poor blood circulation
• Older children may get tired easily or may get short of breath during exercise or activity.
• Symptoms of heart failure include Fatigue with exercise, Shortness of breath, a buildup of blood and fluid in the lungs and buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles, and legs
• Serious heart defects are usually diagnosed while a baby is still in the womb or soon after birth. Some defects aren’t diagnosed until later in childhood, or even in adulthood.

Source: Portal Content Team