Finding out that your child has congenital heart disease – commonly called a congenital “heart defect” – can be frightening. You’re probably worried, stressed, and filled with questions about what the diagnosis really means. But you’re not alone – congenital heart disease (when a baby is born with a heart that didn’t develop normally or completely in the early weeks of pregnancy) is actually fairly common. In fact, more than 35,000 babies in the United States are born with a heart defect each year.
Most (about two-thirds of) children with heart disease have a “congenital” heart defect that’s already present when they’re born. But other kids may have something called an “acquired” heart condition – when a heart problem develops at some point between infancy and adolescence.
Although children’s heart conditions can’t be prevented, a lot can be done to improve and often completely repair kids’ hearts at any age. Thanks to advanced technology and our expert cardiology teams at Nemours, most children born with a heart defect or condition – even newborns only hours old – can be quickly diagnosed and treated right when it matters the most. We know that it’s often the tiniest hearts that need the most help, from the start. That’s why we specialize in early detection and repair, so that your child will have the very best possible chance for a healthy future.
At our Nemours Cardiac Center, located within the world-renowned Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children (AIDHC), we’re doing whatever it takes to give accurate, swift diagnosis and treatment to children born with a heart problem. From offering surgery for more complex cases, to innovative non-surgical catheter procedures, we’re helping forge the path toward a healthier future, with an expert staff and the assistance of today’s modern advances in technology and research.
And our Cardiac Center physicians don’t just treat children within our own hospital – they take their skills and expertise to clinics and hospitals throughout our community (in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey) – making it easier for children who need our help to get top-quality Nemours care. We also keep young hearts healthy in Florida by offering non-invasive (non-surgical) cardiology services to help manage kids’ heart conditions at every age and stage.
Understanding the Types of Defects
When your child has a heart condition, learning as much as you can about the problem can help make things much less stressful and scary – for you, your child, and your whole family. Understanding what the defect is all about can help you talk to your child about what it all means and what to expect from treatment. Plus, the more you know, the more informed you can be to make educated decisions about – and be a better advocate for – your child’s health care.
Animations of various heart defects may be viewed using the navigation at left.