Arabic
.png)
Your child and congenital heart disease
A congenital heart defect is a problem with the structure of the heart that a baby is born with Some congenital heart defects that affect children are simple and do not require treatment. While other congenital heart defects that affect children are more complex and may require several surgeries over several years.
Gaining information about your child's congenital heart defect may help you understand the disease and get a better idea of his or her prognosis in the coming months and years.
Symptoms
Serious congenital heart defects are usually discovered soon after birth, or within the first few months of a baby's life. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Gray or pale blue discoloration of the lips, tongue, or nails (cyanosis)
- Rapid breathing
- Swelling of the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes
- Shortness of breath during breastfeeding, which leads to the infant not gaining weight normally
Less serious cases of congenital heart defects cannot be diagnosed until late in childhood. Signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects in older children may include:
- Getting short of breath quickly during exercise or activities
- Feeling tired quickly during exercise or activities
- Fainting during exercise or activities
- Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet