Heredity – Malformations are more likely to occur in siblings or offspring of individuals with heart defects than those without.
Mutations – Several mutations can affect the formation of the heart and lead to congenital heart malformations such as atrial septal defect (a hole between the upper chambers of the heart).
Linked with other birth defects – More than one-third of children born with Down syndrome have heart defects. About 25% of girls with another chromosomal abnormality called Turner syndrome have heart defects.
Is it possible to detect congenital heart defects before birth?
Many heart defects can be detected before birth through the use of a special type of sonography called fetal echocardiography. Sound waves are used to create a picture of the baby’s heart. Health care providers can use the information from this ultrasound to diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan.
Sometimes medications can be used to alter the beating of the heart and prevent further damage. If the heart defect can’t be treated before birth, the health care providers will be prepared to give treatment as soon as needed after birth.
What are the signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects?
Serious heart defects usually become evident within a few days, weeks or months of life. The most common signs and symptoms in newborns include:
A heart murmur
A bluish tint to skin, lips and fingernails (“blue baby”)
Fast breathing/shortness of breath
Poor feeding in infants because they tire easily while nursing
Poor weight gain in infants
The signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of the defect. Some infants have no signs or symptoms while others have severe or life threatening symptoms.
What are various types of congenital heart defects?
The number of congenital heart defects is vast. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute the most common types of congenital heart defects are:
