Congenital Cardiac Disorder

A congenital cardiac disorder is any heart abnormality that is present from birth. According to the Mayo Clinic, most congenital cardiac defects begin to form just three or four weeks after conception, when the fetal heart is developing.

Cause

• Heart defects can result from genetic disorders, diabetes in the mother, an infection of German measles during pregnancy, alcohol use and taking certain medications while pregnant. However, in many cases, no cause is identified.

Types

• There are many specific types of congenital heart defects; most cause abnormal blood flow to the heart while more unusual types show a partially underdeveloped heart or an irregularity in the ventricles.

Diagnosis

• Some congenital heart defects are detected during pregnancy with the use of an ultrasound, while others may not be diagnosed until birth or even later in life.

Treatment

• In rare cases, intervention while a baby is still in the womb can treat a heart defect but most problems will require medication or surgery sometime after birth. Certain conditions, like septal defects, may correct themselves with time.

Considerations

• Although congenital cardiac disorders are usually treated in childhood, most adults will need regular doctor visits and may require further treatment or surgery.