Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to structural or functional abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. This is a common disease that affects approximately 8 to 10 out of 1,000 births worldwide. The severity of CHD ranges from mild, with no noticeable symptoms, to severe, requiring prompt intervention.

According to Dr. Deepak Thakur, Pediatric Cardiology Consultant at Paras Health Gurugram, CHD is often diagnosed in early childhood or even before birth. A routine prenatal ultrasound may reveal the problem. This allows medical professionals to constantly monitor the child’s heart development and plan appropriate postnatal care. Depending on the type and severity of the problem, newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) can have a variety of symptoms.

Below are important signs that parents should look out for in their children.

• Cyanosis: Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds, is one of the most notable indicators of congenital heart disease. This occurs when the oxygen content of the blood is low. This suggests that the heart is not efficiently pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body. Cyanosis may be more pronounced when the person is sobbing or eating.
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing: Children with congenital heart defects may have rapid breathing, especially during eating or activity. Breathing problems or persistent difficulty breathing may indicate an insufficient supply of oxygen to the body.
• Fatigue and weakness: Children with congenital heart defects tire easily with minimal physical activity and may show signs of fatigue and weakness.
• Excessive sweating: Congenital heart disease may be indicated by excessive sweating, especially after eating or physical activity. The body may sweat more to compensate for the reduced ability of the heart to pump blood.
• Poor growth and feeding problems: Infants with congenital heart defects may have feeding problems that can result in poor growth and weight gain. This is explained by the fact that the function of the heart is reduced, which makes it difficult to breathe and eat.
• Children with congenital heart defects are more likely to experience respiratory infections and persistent coughs. A history of respiratory infections, wheezing, or chronic cough can be signs of underlying heart disease.
• Swelling (edema): Fluid retention may cause swelling in the face, legs, abdomen, or other parts of the body. Unexplained swelling may indicate heart failure or other heart problems and should be closely monitored by parents.

During a physical exam, your doctor may notice a heart murmur (an irregular sound caused by turbulent blood flow in the heart). This suggests that a congenital heart problem is present and may prompt further diagnostic testing.

To confirm the diagnosis of CHD, a variety of tests may be suggested, including simple, non-invasive, painless tests such as echocardiography, chest x-rays, and electrocardiography (ECG). These evaluations are critical to assessing the structure and function of the heart and pinpointing abnormalities. In some cases, ancillary tests such as a CT scan, MRI scan, or cardiac catheterization may be required to enhance the diagnosis and develop a treatment strategy.
More than 95% of diagnosed congenital heart defects are simple defects that typically require one surgery or intervention for complete lifelong healing.

Recent developments in pediatric cardiology have made it possible to identify certain heart problems even before a baby is born. A special ultrasound test called a fetal echocardiogram can be performed between the 16th week of pregnancy and her 24th week to assess the anatomy and function of your baby’s developing heart. This early detection allows physicians to plan appropriate postnatal management and treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes for affected infants.