What is congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart disease is a defect or malformation of one or more structures of the heart before birth. There in no actual known cause of congenital heart disease, but there are various risk factors that can increase the chance of getting congenital heart disease. Genetics, chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, certain medications during pregnancy, drug or alcohol abuse during pregnancy, and maternal viral infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can all increase the chance of developing a congenital heart disease.

What are the symptoms of congenital heart disease?
Congenital heart defects may be diagnosed at any given time from before birth to adulthood. If adults show symptoms, they may include shortness of breath and limited ability to exercise.

How is congenital heart disease treated?
Congenital heart disease is treated on a case by case basis, depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may not require any treatment at all while others may include medicines or sometimes even surgery. Adults with congenital heart disease should be regularly moniteres by their cardiologist and take any necessary precautions to prevent endocarditis.