Congenital heart disease describes structural problems with the heart or major blood vessels that are present from birth. Some defects are small and need only monitoring, while others affect blood flow or oxygen levels and require treatment soon after birth.
Possible signs in babies and children
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Difficulty feeding, sweating during feeds or poor weight gain
- Blue or grey lips, tongue or skin
- Unusual tiredness or reduced activity
- Swelling of the abdomen, hands, feet or ankles
Some conditions are detected during pregnancy or newborn screening. Others cause a heart murmur or symptoms later in childhood or adulthood.
Diagnosis
Tests may include pulse oximetry, an electrocardiogram, echocardiography, chest imaging, MRI, CT or cardiac catheterisation. Genetic testing may be offered in selected cases. A normal pregnancy scan does not exclude every congenital heart defect.
Treatment and lifelong care
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the defect. Options include monitoring, medicine, catheter procedures and heart surgery. Even after a successful repair, many people need lifelong follow-up with a congenital heart specialist because rhythm problems, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension or other complications can develop later.
Good dental care is important. Antibiotics before dental work are recommended only for certain high-risk heart conditions. Physical activity is encouraged within individual guidance. Pregnancy should be planned with specialist advice when congenital heart disease is moderate or complex.
When to seek urgent help
Call emergency services if a baby, child or adult develops severe breathing difficulty, sudden blue or grey colour, chest pain, collapse, confusion, marked drowsiness or a very fast or irregular heartbeat with illness. A baby who becomes limp, unresponsive or unable to feed normally also needs emergency assessment.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026