TriStar Portland - February 16, 2017

The heart is the central pump of the circulatory system. It consists of four chambers -- the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium and right ventricle - and four valves - the mitral valve, aortic valve, tricuspid valve and pulmonic valve. When problems are present in these structures of the heart when a baby is born, the baby has a congenital heart defect. About one in every 100 newborns has a congenital heart defect, which can range from mild to severe.

Although some are associated with genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, the cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown.

Common Congenital Heart Defects

Common types of congenital heart defects, which can affect any part of the heart or its surrounding structures, include:

  • Aortic Stenosis: the aortic valve does not open properly, which strains the heart
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): the wall (called the septum) separating the atriums has a hole
  • Atrioventricular Canal Defect: the central area of the heart is malformed
  • Coarctation of the Aorta: a portion of the aorta is narrow
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: the structures in the left side of the heart are underdeveloped
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): the ductus arteriosus in the fetus doesn't close after birth
  • Pulmonary Atresia: the pulmonic valve does not open at all and might be completely absent
  • Pulmonary Stenosis: the pulmonic valve does not open properly
  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): a combination of four heart defects: pulmonary stenosis; ventricular hypertrophy; ventricular septal defect; and an aorta that receives blood from both ventricles
  • Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection: pulmonary veins don't join the left atrium during development
  • Transposition of the Great Arteries: the pulmonary artery and the aorta are switched
  • Tricuspid Atresia: the tricuspid valve is replaced by a plate or membrane that does not open
  • Truncus Arteriosus: the aorta and pulmonary artery do not split like they should
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): a hole in the wall (septum) between the heart's ventricles

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Defects

Because congenital defects often compromise the heart's ability to pump blood and to deliver oxygen to the tissues of the body, they often produce telltale signs such as:

  • a bluish tinge or color (cyanosis) to the lips, tongue and/or nailbeds
  • an increased rate of breathing or difficulty breathing
  • poor appetite or difficulty feeding (which may be associated with color change)
  • failure to thrive (weight loss or failure to gain weight)
  • abnormal heart murmur
  • sweating, especially during feedings
  • lowered strength of the baby's pulse

If you notice any of these signs in your baby or child, call your doctor right away.

Diagnosing a Heart Defect

Newborns in the U.S. are screened at least 24 hours after birth to look for serious congenital heart disease that can lower oxygen levels. The screening will find most serious heart defects, but some babies who test normal could still have heart disease, especially coarctation or other defects on the left side of the heart.

If a congenital heart defect is suspected, your doctor will likely refer you to a pediatric cardiologist who is qualified to diagnose a congenital heart defect and give or recommend treatment even before a baby is born.

Treating a Congenital Heart Defect

Although they can't be prevented, there are more treatments than ever available for congenital heart defects, and most defects are treated successfully. With the proper medical resources, a congenital heart defect won't necessarily prevent a child from leading a normal life.

If you think your child may have a congenital heart defect or you notice any signs that concern you, call your doctor. In more urgent cases, call 911.