Congenital heart defects are changes in the structure of your child's heart that develop before birth. They are the most common type of birth defect.

Children can have many types of congenital heart anomalies. They fall into three main categories:

• Blood vessels: Four large blood vessels carry blood to and from your heart. In blood vessel defects, the vessels are too narrow, too large, or do not connect the way they should.
• Heart valves: Heart valves prevent blood from flowing backward. Abnormal valves may be stiff, narrow, misshapen, closed, or leaky, allowing blood to flow backward.
• Septa: The septa are the walls of tissue that separates the left and right sides of your heart. Septal defects are holes in this wall.

Congenital heart defects range in severity from minor to critical. About one-quarter of heart anomalies in babies are critical and need surgery before the age of one.

Babies may also have more than one heart defect at birth. For example, Tetralogy of Fallot involves four anomalies in the heart and surrounding blood vessels. 

Symptoms of congenital heart defects depend on the type and severity of the heart anomaly. If your child has a mild anomaly, they may not have any symptoms.  

Common Symptoms 

More severe defects can cause symptoms such as:

• Bluish tint to the nails, lips or skin
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Palpitations (the sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeats)
• Feeding problems
• Heart murmur (a whooshing, irregular sound between heartbeats)
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea) or difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity

Congenital heart defects occur when your child's heart doesn't develop as it should during pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown, but researchers believe it may involve abnormal changes to certain genes (mutations).

Mutations can occur naturally (spontaneously) or due to environmental factors, such as smoking or medications. In some cases, genetic mutations may be inherited.

There are some factors that can increase a child’s risk for congenital heart defects, including:

Your obstetrician may find a congenital heart anomaly during pregnancy using a special ultrasound (fetal echocardiogram). This type of imaging test takes detailed pictures and video clips of your child's heart. Our fetal cardiology specialists offer fetal echocardiograms and provide counseling and care for you and your family.

Physicians also diagnose congenital heart defects after birth, in infancy, childhood or adulthood. To diagnose a heart anomaly, your child’s physician asks about your child’s symptoms and medical and family history. They also do a physical exam and may recommend one or more tests.

We understand medical tests can be frightening for children. Specialists in our Child Life Program work with you and your child to help ease any stress or fear.

Treatment depends on the type of congenital heart defect your child has and how severe it is. Some heart anomalies get better on their own.

In other cases, your child may need treatment to repair a heart anomaly or ease symptoms. At UC Davis Health, you find exceptional care for children of all ages. Offerings include our:

• Fetal Care and Treatment Center provides care for babies with congenital heart anomalies before birth.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit offers compassionate, skilled care for newborns who are very ill.
• Pediatric Heart Center provides expert cardiac care for infants, children and teens.

Even with treatment, your child will likely need long-term monitoring and care. Our pediatric heart and vascular team remains by your side, every step of the way, so you and your child get the support you need.