Published on June 13, 2017
Congenital heart defects in children
An abnormality in the heart that develops before birth.
Overview
Congenital heart defect is one of the most common types of birth defects.
Symptoms
Symptoms include abnormal heart rhythms, blue-tinted skin, shortness of breath, failure to feed or develop normally, and swollen body tissue or organs.
Treatments
Treatments include medications to lower blood pressure and control heart rate, heart devices, catheter procedures, and surgery. Serious cases may require a heart transplant.