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Congenital Heart Conditions

The cardiologists at DMC Medical Group diagnose and treat congenital heart conditions. Our goal is to ensure you or your loved one have the knowledge and guidance necessary to navigate this diagnosis. We always strive for the best outcome for all of our patients and we invite you to learn more about our approach to quality care.

Understanding Congenital Heart Conditions

Also referred to as a congenital heart defect, or CHD, these result from incomplete heart development, causing a baby to be born with the condition. They range in severity, from those that require careful observation to more complex conditions that require surgery. Some can be life-threatening when left untreated.

The direct cause of most congenital heart conditions is unknown, but they most likely stem from genetics or environmental factors. There is considered to be a link between smoking or taking certain medications during pregnancy and these conditions. There are many different congenital heart conditions. Some of the CHDs that we diagnose and treat include, but are not limited to:

  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Bicuspid Aortic Valve
  • Pulmonary Atresia
  • Single Ventricle
  • Tricuspid Atresia
  • Ventricular Septal Defects
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
  • Coarctation of the Aorta

Diagnosing & Treating Congenital Heart Conditions

Although congenital heart conditions are present at the time of birth, there are three different stages of life when one may be discovered:

  • In the Womb – It is possible to detect a congenital heart condition during a pregnancy using a fetal echocardiogram. With this early diagnosis, a plan for treatment can be made that may require observation or immediate surgery after birth.
  • During Infancy or Early Childhood – A diagnosis may not occur until after birth, during infancy or early childhood, in which case the symptoms will be assessed, and the diagnosis confirmed with an echocardiogram and other tests.
  • As an Adult – In some instances, an adult may be diagnosed with a congenital heart defect later in life. This may come about while hearing a heart murmur during a routine checkup, or due to imaging taken for another reason.

Again, treatment will depend on the size, severity, and type of defect and ranges from careful monitoring to complex surgical procedures. At any age, in order to stay as healthy as possible it is necessary to schedule regular checkups with a cardiologist for effective follow-up care.

Contact Our Office

Feel confident that you have a world-renowned team of specialists at your side with DMC Medical Group. Call us to speak with a member of our staff to schedule an appointment.