What is congenital heart disease?

PostedJanuary 16, 2026

UpdatedJanuary 16, 2026

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harry Whitmore, Medical Student | Reviewed by: Dr. Stefan Petrov, MBBS

Congenital heart disease refers to a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works. It is one of the most common types of birth defects in the UK, occurring when the heart or blood vessels near the heart do not develop correctly before birth.

What We will cover in this Article

Definition and prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD)

Common types of heart defects diagnosed at birth or later in life

Recognising signs and symptoms in infants and adults

The primary causes and known risk factors

How CHD is differentiated from acquired heart disease

Evidence-based data and clinical statistics on outcomes

Understanding Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease is a general term for a range of birth defects that affect the heart’s structure and function. It is present from birth, though it may not be detected until adulthood. These defects can affect the heart walls, valves, or the large blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart.

According to the NHS (2024), congenital heart disease affects approximately 1 in every 100 births in the UK. While many cases are mild and require no treatment, some are complex and may necessitate surgery shortly after birth. Improvements in medical care mean that the vast majority of children born with CHD now survive into adulthood.

Common Types of Defects

The structure of the heart can be affected in several ways:

Septal defects: Often called a ‘hole in the heart’, where there is a gap between the left and right chambers.

Coarctation of the aorta: The main artery of the body (aorta) is too narrow, restricting blood flow.

Pulmonary valve stenosis: The valve that lets blood out of the heart toward the lungs is too narrow.

Transposition of the great arteries: The pulmonary and aortic valves and their connected arteries are swapped.

Symptoms and Signs of CHD

The symptoms of congenital heart disease depend on the specific type and severity of the defect. Many defects are detected during pregnancy during a routine 20-week ultrasound scan, but others are only noticed after the baby is born.

Symptoms in Babies and Children

If a defect is significant, symptoms usually appear shortly after birth:

A blue tinge to the skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis)

Rapid breathing or shortness of breath

Extreme tiredness or sweating during feeding

Poor weight gain or delayed growth

Symptoms in Adults

Mild defects may not cause issues until later in life. Adults might experience:

Shortness of breath during exercise

Getting tired very easily

Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet (oedema)

Heart palpitations (a sensation of a fluttering or thumping heart)

Causes and Risk Factors

In most cases, no clear reason is found for why a baby’s heart does not develop normally. However, several factors are known to increase the likelihood of CHD occurring.

Identified Clinical Risk Factors

Research conducted by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in 2023 indicates that while many cases are sporadic, certain environmental and genetic triggers are influential:

Genetic Conditions: Conditions like Down’s syndrome are frequently associated with heart defects.

Maternal Health: Poorly controlled Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy can increase risk.

Infections: Contracting rubella (German measles) during pregnancy is a known trigger.

Medications: Certain medicines taken during pregnancy, such as some anti-seizure or acne medications (isotretinoin), have been linked to CHD.

CHD vs. Acquired Heart Disease

It is important to distinguish between heart conditions present from birth and those that develop later due to lifestyle or ageing.

Feature	Congenital Heart Disease	Acquired Heart Disease
Onset	Present at birth	Develops during lifetime
Primary Cause	Developmental/Genetic	Lifestyle, Age, Infection
Common Example	Ventricular Septal Defect	Coronary Heart Disease
Prevention	Limited (Genetic/Pre-natal care)	Diet, Exercise, Smoking cessation
Detection	Foetal scan or childhood	Typically middle-to-late age

To Summarise

Congenital heart disease is a structural issue with the heart present from birth. While the word ‘disease’ sounds alarming, many people live full, active lives with these conditions. Early diagnosis through prenatal screening and postnatal checks is vital for managing complex cases. Treatment ranges from simple monitoring to corrective surgery.

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, such as fainting, severe chest pain, or extreme breathlessness, call 999 immediately.

Can congenital heart disease be cured?

While many defects can be repaired with surgery, CHD is often considered a lifelong condition that requires regular check-ups with a cardiologist.

Is CHD hereditary?

Most cases are not directly inherited, but if a parent or sibling has CHD, the risk for a newborn is slightly higher than in the general population.

Can I exercise with CHD?

Most people with CHD can and should exercise, but the type and intensity should be discussed with a specialist to ensure it is safe for your specific defect.

How is CHD diagnosed during pregnancy?

It is usually spotted during the routine 20-week anomaly scan, though a more detailed foetal echocardiogram may be required for a definitive diagnosis.

What is the most common heart defect?

A Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), which is a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart, is the most frequently diagnosed.

Can lifestyle changes prevent CHD?

While most cases are outside a parent’s control, maintaining a healthy weight, managing diabetes, and avoiding alcohol or certain medications during pregnancy can reduce risks.

Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T Block)

This article was written and reviewed by Dr. Stefan Petrov, a UK-trained physician with extensive experience in general medicine, surgery, and emergency care. Dr. Petrov holds certifications in BLS and ACLS and has worked in intensive care units, ensuring the clinical accuracy of this guidance. This content covers the definition, symptoms, and causes of congenital heart disease to provide safe, information for patients and families.

Harry Whitmore, Medical Student

Author

Dr. Stefan Petrov, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Stefan Petrov is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and postgraduate certifications including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (PLAB 1 & 2). He has hands-on experience in general medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, ophthalmology, and emergency care. Dr. Petrov has worked in both hospital wards and intensive care units, performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and has contributed to medical education by creating patient-focused health content and teaching clinical skills to junior doctors.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.