Congenital Heart Disease Program

Congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in 100 infants. These defects occur when your baby’s heart fails to develop correctly while in the uterus. We are still learning about what causes these defects, which are present at birth, even though symptoms may not show up until later in life. Among the types:

• Atrial septal defect (ASD): This occurs when babies are born with a hole in the wall between the heart’s two upper chambers. In severe cases, it can lead to pulmonary hypertension, irregular heart rhythms and stroke.
• Atrioventricular Canal (Septal) Defect: When the center of the heart does not form correctly, there is at least one hole and abnormality of the valves.
• Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV): The aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the aorta, has two valves instead of three. It can cause abnormal blood flow and enlargement of the aorta.
• Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA): An abnormally small portion of the aorta does not allow blood to get to the lower body. This often requires surgery or stent placement.
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS): The left side of the heart doesn’t form correctly, hampering its ability to pump blood. This often leads to the need for a Fontan procedure and single ventricle physiology.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): A defect prevents the closing of the opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, which sends blood to the lungs. In severe cases, it can lead to rapid heartbeat, poor weight gain, heart murmurs and respiratory infections.
• Pulmonary Valve Stenosis (CPVS): This is one of the most common congenital heart defects that often requires valve replacement.
• Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF): This occurs when there is a hole in the heart as well as a problem with the pulmonary valve. Some babies get surgery early in life and others can wait a few months.
• Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA): When the origins of the two large arteries in the chest are reversed, different treatment types are offered but all require lifelong care.
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): This occurs when babies are born with a hole in the wall between the heart’s two lower chambers. Often but not always, surgery is performed early in life.

Babies with congenital heart disease may also be affected by related disorders. Our comprehensive approach also provides treatment for a full range of these disorders, including:

Eisenmenger syndrome: This is a rare condition that causes pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure affecting the lungs and right side of the heart. It often results from a congenital heart defect that was not treated in early childhood. It typically develops in children or young adults. Symptoms include bluish skin, shortness of breath, fatigue or rounded fingers and toes (clubbing).

Congenital heart disease is often diagnosed during infancy, and sometimes even before a baby is born. But some defects are harder to detect and may not be diagnosed until late childhood or even adulthood.

Severe heart problems are likely to be noticed within a few months of birth, when affected babies may have blue skin, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, feeding problems or poor weight gain. Minor defects are more likely to be detected later during routine checkups.

If congenital heart disease is suspected, your child’s cardiologist will collect a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam. If warranted, other tests include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This painless test examines the heart’s electrical signals to identify irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
• Chest X-ray: This can show changes in the size and shape of the your child’s heart and lungs.
• Pulse oximetry: Your child’s blood oxygen level is measured by a small sensor attached to a finger.
• Echocardiogram: Sound waves are used to make images of your child’s moving heart. The test can show blood flow through the heart and valves.
• Stress test: These tests measure how your child’s heart responds to physical activity, including exercise.
• Cardiac CT scan: Detailed images of your child’s heart and chest are created using X-rays and computer technology.
• Cardiac MRI: This is similar to the cardiac CT scan, but it uses powerful magnets and radio waves.
• Cardiac catheterization: Your child’s surgeon gently guides a long, thin tube (catheter) to the heart by way of a blood vessel. The procedure can be done to evaluate blood flow and blood pressure in the heart.

Congenital heart disease is often diagnosed during infancy, and sometimes even before a baby is born. But some defects are harder to detect and may not be diagnosed until late childhood or even adulthood.

Severe heart problems are likely to be noticed within a few months of birth, when affected babies may have blue skin, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, feeding problems or poor weight gain. Minor defects are more likely to be detected later during routine checkups.

If congenital heart disease is suspected, your child’s cardiologist will collect a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam. If warranted, other tests include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This painless test examines the heart’s electrical signals to identify irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
• Chest X-ray: This can show changes in the size and shape of the your child’s heart and lungs.
• Pulse oximetry: Your child’s blood oxygen level is measured by a small sensor attached to a finger.
• Echocardiogram: Sound waves are used to make images of your child’s moving heart. The test can show blood flow through the heart and valves.
• Stress test: These tests measure how your child’s heart responds to physical activity, including exercise.
• Cardiac CT scan: Detailed images of your child’s heart and chest are created using X-rays and computer technology.
• Cardiac MRI: This is similar to the cardiac CT scan, but it uses powerful magnets and radio waves.
• Cardiac catheterization: Your child’s surgeon gently guides a long, thin tube (catheter) to the heart by way of a blood vessel. The procedure can be done to evaluate blood flow and blood pressure in the heart.

For more information about the conditions we treat, please click HERE.