Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart defects are often diagnosed in infancy, or even before birth. But
some defects are harder to detect than others and may not be diagnosed until
much later in childhood or even adulthood.

Diagnostic Evaluation

In each of the sections on specific congenital heart problems, regular follow-up

with a cardiologist is recommended. This section describes the types of tests that
often will be performed. Cardiologists will take your medical history and perform
a physical exam. They may also order an electrocardiogram (called an EKG or
ECG), chest X-ray, or an echocardiogram (ultrasound movie of the heart). Blood
tests are particularly important in patients with cyanosis and single ventricle
hearts treated with Fontan operations.

The cardiology staff will talk to you about each test. Don't hesitate to ask the
cardiologist, nurse or technician to explain these tests. After your tests are
completed, your cardiologist will explain the results and whether further care is
needed.

Sometimes the initial tests don't provide enough information for a complete
diagnosis and more tests may be needed. These include cardiac catheterization
and angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scanning, Holter
recording and stress testing.

Diagnosing Children

Severe heart disease generally becomes evident during the first few months
after birth. Some babies are blue or have very low blood pressure shortly after
birth. Other defects cause breathing difficulties, feeding problems, or poor weight
gain. Minor defects are most often diagnosed on a routine medical check up.
Minor defects rarely cause symptoms. While most heart murmurs in children are
normal, some may be due to defects.

If the heart problem is significant, your child's pediatrician or family physician

will likely refer your child to a pediatric cardiologist. Pediatric cardiologists are
trained to diagnose and treat heart problems in infants, children and young
adults. They have the training and equipment to find out what tests and
treatments your child will need, and how often your child will need heart
checkups in the future.