Congenital Heart Disease | Baylor Scott & White Health

Adults with congenital heart disease need specialized care

Not all heart problems develop as you age. Some, known as congenital heart disease or congenital heart defects, are present at birth. These birth defects affect the heart walls, valves or major blood vessels and can disrupt how blood flows through the heart to the rest of the body. As a result, some people with congenital heart disease can develop other heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure or arrhythmia.

If you have congenital heart disease, treatment depends on what type of defect you have and how it affects your health and quality of life. Regular visits with a cardiologist can help identify any changes in your condition and ensure you receive the care you need to thrive.

father with congenital heart disease hugging daughter and smiling at camera outside on sunny day

Types of congenital heart disease

There are many types of congenital heart disease. Some of the more common forms include:

Heart valve defects

Heart valve defects, also known as valvular heart disease, are flaws in the valves of the heart.

Your heart has four valves with flaps that open and close to help blood flow in a one-way course through the organ. The aortic valve, for example, has three flaps that allow blood to pass from the heart’s left ventricle into the aorta, a major artery that takes blood to the rest of the body. If you were born with a form of congenital heart disease called a bicuspid aortic valve, you have two flaps instead of three.

A bicuspid aortic valve can lead to aortic stenosis, which is when the valve is narrow or stiff. This forces the heart to work harder to pump enough blood. Aortic stenosis can cause shortness of breath during physical activity, lightheadedness and chest pain. A two-flap valve can also allow blood to leak backward into the ventricle, called regurgitation.

Congenital heart disease symptoms

Symptoms of congenital heart disease can often include:

Swelling, such as in the feet, ankles or hands
Shortness of breath
Fluid retention
Irregular heart rhythms or palpitations
Dizziness
Bluish fingernails, lips or skin

grandfather living with congenital heart disease sitting on couch reading to young granddaughter

What causes congenital heart disease?

The most common type of birth defect, congenital heart disease, occurs when a baby’s heart doesn’t develop properly during pregnancy. Doctors don’t always know why some babies’ hearts form defects, although genetic changes, some of which can pass from parent to child, may contribute.

Risk factors for having a baby with congenital heart disease include:

Family history of congenital heart defects
Certain medications
Diabetes and other health conditions, such as rubella (German measles)
Certain genetic disorders
Alcohol use or smoking during pregnancy

Diagnosing a congenital heart disease

Some people with congenital heart disease are diagnosed as babies or children. Many people, however, don’t learn they have a heart defect until they’re adults.

If your physician suspects a heart defect, they’ll start by asking you about your health history. They’ll also perform a physical exam to check for symptoms of congenital heart disease, such as abnormal heart rhythms or murmurs.

If your physician suspects genetics could play a role in your diagnosis, they may recommend genetic testing to find out whether a gene mutation could be the cause.

To gather more information, your physician may order tests, such as:

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) tracks the electrical signals in the heart to monitor its health and functionality.

Treatment for congenital heart disease

No two cases of congenital heart disease are alike. Your heart and vascular team will create a treatment plan just for you.

If you have a mild form of congenital heart disease, you may not need treatment. Instead, your cardiologist may recommend regular checkups to ensure your heart functions well and symptoms aren’t affecting your quality of life.

No matter what your treatment plan entails, it’s important to follow it closely. Take your medications as prescribed and don’t stop or start medicine without talking to your physician. Keep all checkup appointments so your healthcare provider can track how your treatment plan is working. Make healthy lifestyle changes to help protect your heart and complement your treatment. Finally, if you notice any new or worsening symptoms, tell your physician right away so you can work together to address them.

If you have concerning symptoms or the heart defect poses a risk to your health, a variety of treatments are available, including:

Medications to treat problems related to congenital heart disease, such as high blood pressure, heart failure and arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
Cardiac catheterization to repair certain heart defects, such as simple holes in the heart
Open-heart or minimally invasive surgery to repair or replace a heart valve or correct your congenital heart disease
Heart transplant surgery, which may be an option depending on your condition and the severity of your illness

Find a location near you

We help you get care at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations for congenital heart disease care, including specialized centers in North and Central Texas.

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Associates - Southwest Fort Worth

5701 Bryant Irvin Rd Ste 302, Fort Worth, TX, 76132

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Associates - Southwest Fort Worth

5701 Bryant Irvin Rd Ste 302, Fort Worth, TX, 76132

Adults with congenital heart disease need specialized care

Types of congenital heart disease

Heart valve defects

Congenital heart disease symptoms

What causes congenital heart disease?

Risk factors for having a baby with congenital heart disease include:

Diagnosing a congenital heart disease

Electrocardiogram

Treatment for congenital heart disease

If you have concerning symptoms or the heart defect poses a risk to your health, a variety of treatments are available, including:

Find a location near you

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have a congenital heart disease?

Can I pass congenital heart disease along to my children?

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