The symptoms depend on the type of heart problem. Many people have no symptoms.

Serious congenital heart problems may cause one or more of the following symptoms in newborns:

Fast breathing

A blue color to the skin, lips, and fingernails

Fatigue or poor feeding

Heart murmur (an extra sound, heard when a doctor listens to the heart)

In older children or adults, congenital heart problems may cause symptoms such as

Heart murmur

Shortness of breath

Fatigue during exercise

How is congenital heart disease diagnosed?

Severe heart problems usually are diagnosed during pregnancy during an ultrasound test or right after the baby is born. Less severe heart problems may not be found until the child is older, or even in adulthood.

What about tests?

Several tests can show what kind of heart disease your baby has. Tests can also help your doctor see how well the heart is working. Here are some tests your baby might have:

ECG (short for "electrocardiogram"): An ECG shows the heartbeat as a line tracing. It measures electrical activity in the heart.

Pulse oximetry: This test shows how much oxygen is in the baby's blood.

Echocardiogram: This test gives the doctor an ultrasound "picture" of the baby's heart.

Chest X-ray: This can show how well the heart is growing and if your baby's lungs have fluid in them.

Cardiac catheterization: This test uses dye in the heart to give the doctor a clear picture of the heart problem.

What is the treatment for congenital heart disease?

The treatment depends on the heart problem and how severe it is. Some people don’t need any treatment. Other heart problems need treatment with medicine, procedures, or surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about your treatment options, or the treatment options for your child.

If your baby needs medicine, it’s very important to give the medicine just the way your doctor tells you to. Try not to skip a dose. If you do forget a dose, call your doctor to find out if you should give an extra dose.

If your baby needs surgery, your baby will probably stay in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU) for a few days after the surgery, so the doctors and nurses can keep a close watch. Tubes and machines keep track of your child's condition. They don't cause any pain. Many children are back to normal just a few days after heart surgery.