Born with a heart that beats a little differently? You’re not alone — congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, and sometimes, it isn’t noticed until you reach your teenage years or even adulthood. This condition cannot be cured, but it can be repaired and requires lifetime follow ups with an expert trained in the management of congenital heart disease.
"Finding out you have a heart defect can be overwhelming at any age," says Tabitha Moe MD, cardiologist with HonorHealth Heart Care. "It can bring a mix of emotions and questions."
If you or a close family member have recently been diagnosed with congenital heart disease, our expert cardiologist provides answers to commonly asked questions.
Q: What is congenital heart disease?
A: Congenital heart disease involves differences or abnormalities with your heart's structure that are present from birth.
Q: How common is congenital heart disease?
A: It affects about one in every 100 newborns worldwide. More than 90% of children with complex congenital heart disease survive to adulthood. There are estimated to be approximately 14,000 adults with congenital heart disease in Maricopa County, Arizona alone.
Q: What does congenital heart disease involve?
A: It can impact the:
- Heart valves
- Heart’s interior walls
- Blood vessels
- Arteries and veins that carry blood to and from your heart
- Location of your heart and vessels within your chest
Q: What are the most common types of congenital heart defects?
A: The most common types in adults include:
- Atrial septal defect: A hole in the wall between the upper chambers of your heart.
- Ventricular septal defect: A hole in the wall between the lower chambers of your heart.
- Tetralogy of Fallot: A combination of four heart defects that affect blood flow.
- Transposition of the great arteries: The two main arteries leaving the heart are switched, affecting blood circulation.
- Coarctation of the aorta: A narrowing of the main artery carrying blood from your heart to your body.
- Pulmonary valve stenosis: Narrowing of the valve controlling blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
- Aortic valve stenosis: Narrowing of the valve controlling blood flow from your heart to your body.
Q: What are the symptoms of congenital heart disease?
A: Symptoms can include:
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
- Bluish or purplish skin discoloration
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially with exertion
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Water retention that causes swelling
- Heart murmur
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Fainting or dizziness
Q: How is congenital heart disease diagnosed?
A: There are multiple ways that this condition is diagnosed, including:
- Physical exam
- Prenatal screening
- Echocardiography
- ECG or EKG
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac MRI or CT scan
- Cardiac catheterization
- Genetic testing
Q: Is there a cure for congenital heart disease?
A: While there isn’t a cure for congenital heart disease, it can often be effectively managed through various treatment options, including:
- Monitoring and observation
- Medications
- Surgery
- Catheter procedures
- Implantable devices
- Lifestyle changes
- Cardiac rehabilitation
Q: Is congenital heart disease hereditary?
A: Yes, congenital heart disease can be hereditary. However, that isn’t always the case. If someone in your family has this condition, it’s a good idea to discuss your family history with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider.
Q: What lifestyle changes or precautions should someone with congenital heart disease take?
A: For someone with congenital heart disease, lifestyle changes and precautions can vary depending on the specific condition and overall health. Here are some general recommendations:
- Get regular check-ups
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise
- Avoid overexertion
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress
- Monitor symptoms
- Build a support network
Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and health status. At HonorHealth, our Adult Congenital Heart Program team is here to ensure your heart gets the best care possible. Whether it's heart valve issues, irregular rhythms, high blood pressure or stroke, we're here to help you along your healthcare journey.
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