Approximately 500,000 adults in the U.S. suffer from congenital heart disease, which is a type of defect or malformation in the heart or blood vessels that occurs before birth. The most common congenital heart problems include heart valve defects, atrial and ventricular septal defects (defects in the walls between the atria and ventricles of the heart chamber), and heart muscle abnormalities.
Congenital heart defects are most often diagnosed before and after birth or during childhood. However, it is possible to have a defect and not be diagnosed until reaching adulthood. If symptoms are present, they may include heart murmur, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and a limited ability to exercise.
How is Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed?
If an abnormal heart sound or heart murmur is detected by your physician, he or she may order further testing to determine a diagnosis. Depending on the type of findings or symptoms, testing could include one or more of the following:
- Chest CT (including Ultrafast CT Scan)
- Echocardiogram
- Intravascular ultrasound
- Cardiac catheterization
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram
- MRI and/or PET scan
Learn more more about these tests.
How is Adult Congenital Heart Disease Treated?
Heart defects can be treated with medications, procedures or surgery. For example, patients suffering from atrial septal defects (a hole in the upper chambers of the heart) can be successfully treated at Saint John's through a procedure called ASD Closure, which is conducted in the Heart Institute's Digital Catheterization Lab. Cardiologists insert an umbrella-like device via a catheter into the heart. Once inserted, the device expands to block the passageway between the atria and close the hole.