Congenital Heart Defects
When To Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if your child has severe difficulty breathing, faints, or has seizures.
Call your health professional immediately if your child with a congenital heart defect has:
- Symptoms of heart failure or cyanosis—the bluish tint that affects skin, lips, and nails because of lack of oxygen—that become significantly worse within a short time period.
- Symptoms of endocarditis, such as a fever that will not go away.
Talk to your doctor if your child with a congenital heart defect has:
- Moderate difficulty breathing.
- Fewer wet diapers and has swelling (puffy eyes, hands, and feet).
- A poor appetite and is not eating well or has a rapid heartbeat or rapid breathing while eating.
- Less energy or seems to be sleeping more than usual.
- Sudden weight gain or is not gaining weight.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting, which is a wait-and-see approach, is not appropriate if:
- You think your child has a congenital heart defect.
- Your child has a congenital heart defect and the symptoms change.
Who To See
Your family doctor or general practitioner can evaluate symptoms of a congenital heart defect. You may be referred to a specialist, such as:
- A pediatrician.
- A pediatric cardiologist.
- An internist (for adults with possible congenital heart disease).
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: December 20, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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