Not all people with congenital heart defects require treatment. Some may only need to be observed and visit their cardiologist. In other cases, surgery or a cardiac catheterization may be needed to reduce the effects of and/or repair the defect. Even when a defect is treated as a child, further conditions may develop that would benefit from additional medical treatment.
Many medical treatments are available to help the heart perform at its best. Sometimes multiple conditions occur in the same child and each may require medication for treatment. Here is a list of common conditions that can develop in children and/or adults with congenital heart defects and may need medical treatment:
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Heart Rhythm Problems
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Interventional Cardiac Catheterizations
In this care and treatment section, you can also learn about:
- Surgical procedures
- Cardiac catheterizations
- Heart transplants
- Preparing children for surgery
- Physical activity for those with congenital heart defects
- Recommendations for heart health
If you are a parent caring for a child with a congenital heart defect, you may also want to visit the caregiver section of this website. The American Heart Association thanks you and supports you in your pursuit of heart health.
