Congenital heart disease generally refers to a birth defect in the structure of the heart or one of the great blood vessels leading to or away from the heart. Most of these defects affect the way blood flows through the heart, but other defects may affect the way the heart functions or beats. According to the American Heart Association, congenital heart defects are present in about 1 percent of live births and represent the most common malformation in newborns. Diagnosis can be complicated and involves advanced imaging, cardiac catheterization, blood testing and physical exam.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a common symptom for those children who are born with a heart defect. Breathing difficulties can be caused in several ways, but usually a heart defect will cause poor blood flow to the lungs, which allows for fluid buildup. When fluid collects in the lungs, they are unable to function properly, and respiration is affected. Another factor that may cause shortness of breath is a lack of oxygen in the blood. When blood vessels are not formed properly, blood is unable to move to the lungs to be oxygenated and then on to the tissues to assist in metabolism. In a sense, the body is starved for sufficient oxygen, and rapid breathing is the result. According to the March of Dimes, children with heart defects may find that they easily develop shortness of breath when they exert themselves and may squat frequently to ease the symptoms.
Cyanosis
Cyanosis is a symptom where the skin takes on a blue coloration. This is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. In many heart defects, the blood vessels responsible for moving blood to the lungs for oxygenation are malformed and instead recirculate un-oxygenated blood back to the tissues. According to the national Heart Lung and Blood Institute, cyanosis can appear in the skin, fingernails, lips and mucous membranes.
Fatigue
Fatigue or tiredness is common for those who do not have proper blood flow. Oxygen and nutrients are necessary for metabolism, and a congenital defect in the heart affects energy level. Some patients may be unable to participate in sports, and others may not even be able to accomplish activities of daily living. In conjunction with chronic fatigue, syncope (fainting) may occasionally occur.
Heart Murmur
A heart murmur is an unnatural sound heard through a stethoscope by a doctor and represents improper or disrupted blood flow. A heart murmur is often the first sign detected by a doctor and will lead to further testing and diagnosis, but some heart murmurs represent nothing of concern.
