Congenital Heart Defects

Diagnosis - Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital Heart Defects
A congenital heart defect is a deformity of the heart that is present at birth. An abnormal hole between heart chambers or a narrowed valve are examples of congenital heart defects.

When a defect is severe enough, it is harder for the heart to pump blood. With time, the heart may weaken, and symptoms (such as shortness of breath and fainting spells) may develop.

In some cases, cardiac catheterization may be needed to confirm a heart defect and/or to assess how severe the problem is.





	Diagnosis - Congenital Heart Defects Congenital Heart Defects A congenital heart defect is a deformity of the heart that is present at birth. An abnormal hole between heart chambers or a narrowed valve are examples of congenital heart defects. When a defect is severe enough, it is harder for the heart to pump blood. With time, the heart may weaken, and symptoms (such as shortness of breath and fainting spells) may develop. In some cases, cardiac catheterization may be needed to confirm a heart defect and/or to assess how severe the problem is. The information contained in this web site is presented for information purposes only, and is not intended to substitute in any way a consultation with a physician or competent healthcare professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment.