Congenital Heart Defects - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
Some congenital heart defects cause few or no signs and symptoms. Since more children with congenital heart defects are living longer, we now know that complications can develop later in life. Signs, symptoms, and complications will vary based on the type of congenital heart defect that you or your child have.
Signs and symptoms
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Congenital Heart Defects - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
Signs and symptoms may be different for newborns and adults. They also depend on the number, type, and severity of the heart defect. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Cyanosis
- Fatigue
- Heart murmurs
- Poor blood circulation
- Rapid breathing
Congenital heart defects do not cause chest pain or other painful symptoms. Older children or adults may get tired easily or short of breath during physical activity.
Did you know undiagnosed and untreated tetralogy of Fallot causes a recognizable set of symptoms in babies and children?
Babies who have tetralogy of Fallot may have episodes known as tet spells because of sudden drops in the levels of oxygen in their blood after periods of activity, crying, or bowel movements.
In a tet spell, the baby turns very blue and may also show these signs and behaviors:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Lack of response to a parent's voice or touch
- Limpness
- Loss of consciousness
- Unusual fussiness
Children with tetralogy of Fallot also may have clubbing. This is rare in the United States and is usually seen in older children who have not had the heart defect repaired.
Complications
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Congenital Heart Defects - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
Complications depend on the type of congenital heart defect you have. Some of the possible complications include:
- Arrhythmia
- Blood clots
- Developmental disorders and delays. Children with congenital heart defects are more likely to have problems with behavior. They are also more likely to have speech and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders.
- Emotional health issues. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common among people with congenital heart defects.
- Endocarditis, a type of heart inflammation
- endocrine disorders, including thyroid problems, bone health issues, and diabetes. Problems with the hormones that deal with calcium can cause bone problems.
- Heart failure. Heart failure is the leading cause of death in adults with congenital heart defects. Some children with congenital heart defects develop heart failure.
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Pneumonia. Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in adults with congenital heart disease.
- Pregnancy complications. Women with congenital heart defects have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Read more in our Living With section.
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Stroke