Adults with congenital heart disease need specialized care
Not all heart problems develop as you age. Some, known as congenital heart disease or congenital heart defects, are present at birth. These birth defects affect the heart walls, valves or major blood vessels and can disrupt how blood flows through the heart to the rest of the body. As a result, some people with congenital heart disease can develop other heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure or arrhythmia.
If you have congenital heart disease, treatment depends on what type of defect you have and how it affects your health and quality of life. Regular visits with a cardiologist can help identify any changes in your condition and ensure you receive the care you need to thrive.
Types of congenital heart disease
Heart valve defects
Heart valve defects, also known as valvular heart disease, are flaws in the valves of the heart.
Your heart has four valves with flaps that open and close to help blood flow in a one-way course through the organ. The aortic valve, for example, has three flaps that allow blood to pass from the heart’s left ventricle into the aorta, a major artery that takes blood to the rest of the body. If you were born with a form of congenital heart disease called a bicuspid aortic valve, you have two flaps instead of three.
A bicuspid aortic valve can lead to aortic stenosis, which is when the valve is narrow or stiff. This forces the heart to work harder to pump enough blood. Aortic stenosis can cause shortness of breath during physical activity, lightheadedness and chest pain. A two-flap valve can also allow blood to leak backward into the ventricle, called regurgitation.
Holes in the heart
A wall called the septum separates the chambers on the left and right sides of your heart. Holes in the septum typically close as a baby grows. But septal defects, or holes in the heart, are those that remain in the wall.
An atrial septal defect, also known as a patent foramen ovale, is a hole between the atria, the heart’s upper chambers. A ventricular septal defect is an opening between the ventricles, or lower chambers.
An atrial septal defect can make you feel like your heart is racing occasionally. An atrial septal defect and a ventricular septal defect can cause shortness of breath.
Blood vessel defects
Some forms of congenital heart disease affect the blood vessels in and around the heart. Patent ductus arteriosus, for example, occurs when a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus, which normally closes shortly after birth, stays open. This can lead to extra blood entering the pulmonary arteries (arteries in the lungs), straining the heart and lungs. Patent ductus arteriosus can cause shortness of breath.
Another type of defect, transposition of the great arteries, occurs when the roles of two main arteries, the aorta and pulmonary arteries, are reversed. As a result, blood does not flow through the heart as it should, and the body doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Most people with this form of congenital heart disease have surgery as babies.
Other common congenital heart defects
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Ebstein anomaly
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Pulmonary stenosis
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Tricuspid atresia
Congenital heart disease symptoms
Symptoms of congenital heart disease can often include:
- Swelling, such as in the feet, ankles or hands
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid retention
- Irregular heart rhythms or palpitations
- Dizziness
- Bluish fingernails, lips or skin
What causes congenital heart disease?
The most common type of birth defect, congenital heart disease, occurs when a baby’s heart doesn’t develop properly during pregnancy. Doctors don’t always know why some babies’ hearts form defects, although genetic changes, some of which can pass from parent to child, may contribute.
Risk factors for having a baby with congenital heart disease include:
- Family history of congenital heart defects
- Certain medications
- Diabetes and other health conditions, such as rubella (German measles)
- Certain genetic disorders
- Alcohol use or smoking during pregnancy
Diagnosing a congenital heart disease
Some people with congenital heart disease are diagnosed as babies or children. Many people, however, don’t learn they have a heart defect until they’re adults.
If your physician suspects a heart defect, they’ll start by asking you about your health history. They’ll also perform a physical exam to check for symptoms of congenital heart disease, such as abnormal heart rhythms or murmurs.
If your physician suspects genetics could play a role in your diagnosis, they may recommend genetic testing to find out whether a gene mutation could be the cause.
To gather more information, your physician may order tests, such as:
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) tracks the electrical signals in the heart to monitor its health and functionality.
Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry measures levels of oxygen in the blood, which can be used to detect lower oxygen levels caused by certain congenital heart defects.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests, such as echocardiograms, cardiac CT scans, and MRIs, provide detailed pictures of the heart to identify problematic areas and abnormalities.
Treatment for congenital heart disease
No two cases of congenital heart disease are alike. Your heart and vascular team will create a treatment plan just for you.
If you have a mild form of congenital heart disease, you may not need treatment. Instead, your cardiologist may recommend regular checkups to ensure your heart functions well and symptoms aren’t affecting your quality of life.
No matter what your treatment plan entails, it’s important to follow it closely. Take your medications as prescribed and don’t stop or start medicine without talking to your physician. Keep all checkup appointments so your healthcare provider can track how your treatment plan is working. Make healthy lifestyle changes to help protect your heart and complement your treatment. Finally, if you notice any new or worsening symptoms, tell your physician right away so you can work together to address them.
If you have concerning symptoms or the heart defect poses a risk to your health, a variety of treatments are available, including:
- Medications to treat problems related to congenital heart disease, such as high blood pressure, heart failure and arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
- Cardiac catheterization to repair certain heart defects, such as simple holes in the heart
- Open-heart or minimally invasive surgery to repair or replace a heart valve or correct your congenital heart disease
- Heart transplant surgery, which may be an option depending on your condition and the severity of your illness
Find a location near you
We help you get care at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations for congenital heart disease care, including specialized centers in North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney
5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall
1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 225, Rockwall, TX, 75032
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Craig Ranch
6800 State Highway 121 , McKinney, TX, 75070
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco
9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road
6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway
5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano
6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano
1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thoracic Aortic Disease Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Genetics Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
Heart Rhythm Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Recovery Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Global Heart Health Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 340, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II
4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 340, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Denton
2801 S Mayhill Rd , Denton, TX, 76208
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Cardiovascular Clinic - Denton
3341 Unicorn Lake Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Dallas
621 N Hall St Ste 120, Dallas, TX, 75226- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Frequently asked questions
-
How do I know if I have a congenital heart disease?
If you have not already been diagnosed, then there is a lesser likelihood that you will have one. However, if you develop new symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias, image tests by a cardiologist can help you find out what is causing these symptoms.
-
Can I pass congenital heart disease along to my children?
It is rare to pass congenital heart disease to your children. Talking to a cardiologist can help determine if your relatives require further cardiovascular or genetic testing.