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A congenital heart defect is a problem with the structure of the heart that a child is born with.
Some congenital heart defects in children are simple and don't need treatment. Others are more complex. The child may need several surgeries done over a period of several years.
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During the first six weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heart begins to form and starts to beat. The major blood vessels that go to and from the heart also begin to form during this critical time.
It's at this point in a baby's development that congenital heart defects may begin to develop. Researchers aren't sure what causes most types of congenital heart defects. They think that gene changes, certain medicines or health conditions...
To understand the causes of congenital heart defects, it may help to know how the heart usually works.
The typical heart has four chambers. There are two on the right and two on the left.
To pump blood through the body, the heart uses its left and right sides for different tasks.
Treatment of congenital heart defects in children depends on the specific heart problem and how severe it is.
Some congenital heart defects don't have a long-term effect on a child's health. They may safely go untreated.
Other congenital heart defects, such as a small hole in the heart, may close as a child ages.
Serious congenital heart defects need treatment soon after they're found. Treatment may include:
Because the exact cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown, it may not be possible to prevent these conditions. If you have a high risk of giving birth to a child with a congenital heart defect, genetic testing and screening may be done during pregnancy.
There are some steps you can take to help reduce your child's overall risk of heart problems present at birth such as:
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
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