Most individuals with Congenital Heart disease (CHD) do not need any intervention or treatment. Many defects resolve with age. Treatment may vary, depending on several factors, such as the type(s) of defect and severity. The following treatment options may be available for Congenital Heart Defects, if or when treatment may be proposed.

Heart Medications – Some CHD may endure without surgery but may lower quality of life. Cardiologists may give medicines that may close the PDA like Indomethacin.

Heart Transplant – Heart transplant is the process of giving another viable heart to a individual with a terminally defective heart or an End Stage Heart condition.

Closure of Heart Defects – In cases of heart defects that don’t resolve with age, some cardiac surgeons suggest performing a defect closure operation either by cardiac catheterization or by open heart surgery. This permanently closes the septal defect and automatically corrects the blood flow in time, as it relates to the septal defect.

Open Heart Surgery – Select congenital heart defects like Tetralogy of Fallot will require surgery as soon as birth. Since TOF is not compatible with life, open heart surgery by a qualified cardiac surgeon is imperative for sustaining life.

Therapeutic Cardiac Catheterization – A cardiac catheter may be used to correct stiff valves and widen constricted vessels to relieve obstruction and correct the blood flow pattern.

Next Visit, Congenital Heart Defects Overview

Outcome for Congenital Heart Defects

There has been a significant increase in the survival rating among people with CHD due to advances in surgery and medicine. The important thing is that those afflicted should visit their cardiologist regularly and understand their disease. They must be keen on physical activities, accept limitations and may need to develop coping skills. Issues like prophylactic antibiotics for endocarditis and pregnancy should be openly discussed with the attending cardiologist. Outcomes are fairly positive as there has been quite a number of children with CHD who have thrived through adulthood.

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.
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