Congenital heart disease (CHD) is when the heart has problems with its structure that are present from birth. These can be problems with the heart's walls, valves, or the blood vessels connected to it. Some problems are small and don't affect how the heart works, but others can alter how blood flows through the heart and the body. The condition can be very different. Some kids are diagnosed right after birth, while others may not be diagnosed until they are older, even adults. Thanks to better care, a lot of kids with CHD grow up to be healthy and active adults.

Symptoms
The severity of the defect determines the symptoms. Signs in newborns or infants may include trouble eating, fast breathing, blue skin (especially around the lips), or not gaining weight as quickly as they should. In less severe cases, symptoms may not show up right away. They can include feeling tired, having trouble breathing during activity, or often getting respiratory infections. Some kids their age may get tired more quickly than others. Sometimes, there are no obvious signs of the condition, and it is found during a routine checkup.

Causes
Congenital heart disease happens when the heart is forming in the early stages of pregnancy. In many cases, the exact cause isn't clear. Some conditions are linked to chromosomal abnormalities, and genetic factors can also play a role. Some things that a mother does, like getting sick while pregnant, having uncontrolled diabetes, or being around certain drugs, can make the risk higher. But often there is no clear reason for the cases.

Diagnosis
Prenatal ultrasound or symptoms that show up shortly after birth can show that a baby has CHD. In other cases, a doctor finds out later that someone has a heart murmur during a physical exam. Echocardiography and other tests are often used to assess the heart's structure and how blood flows through it. To better understand the condition and plan treatment, more tests or imaging may be done.

Treatment
The kind and severity of the defect will determine the treatment. Some mild conditions may only need to be watched over time. Some people may need medicine to help their hearts work better or to control their symptoms. In more complicated cases, surgery or other procedures may be needed to fix the problem or improve blood flow. Many people with CHD can live normal, active lives if they get the right care and follow-up.