Congenital heart disease is a heart problem that a person is born with. One percent of babies are born with a heart defect. Sometimes the defect improves without treatment. At other times the defect is small and does not require treatment. Mild congenital heart defects may not be noticed until the person is an adult. Occasionally, the congenital heart defect is serious and needs to be repaired by surgery. About 10 percent of congenital heart defects are associated with a gene problem, such as Down's syndrome. Other cases can be caused by an infection in the mother, such as rubella or German measles. Still other cases may be caused by a medicine or drug the mother has used. Most of the time, however, the causes of congenital heart disease are not known. There are three kinds of problems caused by congenital heart disease or defects:
* blood flow in the heart is obstructed,
* blood flow is abnormal, or
* the heart cannot pump blood because the heart did not develop completely.

The most common types of blood flow obstruction occur when the valves or arteries leading from the heart are abnormal. When this happens, it can put a strain on the heart muscle. These problems can often be corrected with surgery.

Abnormal blood flow usually occurs when there is a hole between the walls of the heart. Occasionally, there is a connection between two arteries outside the heart. In some cases blood can enter the body that should go to the lungs. In these situations, the child will have a bluish color, or cyanosis, of the skin or lips. At other times, blood can go to the lungs that should go to the body. This puts a strain on the heart and lungs. If a part of the heart does not develop completely, the heart may not function well when the child is born. These situations are very serious and may require several surgical procedures.

Most defects cause a whispering sound, or murmur, as blood moves through the heart. To make an accurate diagnosis of a congenital defect, a doctor may want to order tests such as an ultrasound or cardiac catheterization.

Many persons with congenital heart defects can live normal lives. Some may need to limit their activities and take medicines. Almost all persons with congenital defects will need to take antibiotics before dental procedures or certain surgeries. This is to prevent bacteria from infecting their heart.

For more information, contact your local American Heart Association office or call (800) 242-8721.

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