Heart defects and what they are

Heart defects can occur in the heart's chambers, valves or blood vessels. A baby may be born with one or several heart defects. Of the dozens of heart defects, some are mild and may need little or no medical treatment – even through adulthood. Other types heart defects are life-threatening, either immediately to the newborn or over time.

Heart defects are abnormalities in your heart's structure that you are born with. In years past they were often fatal, but they are far more treatable today. Although heart defects are often considered a childhood condition, advances in surgical treatment mean that most babies who once would have died of heart defects survive well into adulthood.

While medical advances have improved, many adults with heart defects may not be getting proper follow-up care. If you had heart defects repaired as an infant, don't consider yourself out of the woods. Find out if and when you should check with your doctor, if you're likely to have complications or if you're at greater risk of other heart problems as an adult.

Symptoms or signs of heart defects may not show up until later in life, and they may recur years after you've had treatment for a heart defect. If you have any of the signs or symptoms of heart defects, make an appointment to see your doctor. If you have chest pain or severe shortness of breath, seek emergency medical attention.

Read more about common heart defects and how they are treated in Matters of the Heart