Preemies with RSV Face More Hospital Time in First 6 Months

In some children, an RSV infection can be quite serious. These kids are much more likely to spend time in a hospital due to RSV during the first six months of their lives than most kids. ... read more »

New Catheterization Procedure for Babies with Hole in Heart

Approximately 9 of every 1,000 people are born with some form of heart defect, the most common of which are septal defects. ... read more »

Pacemaker Patients Are Healthy Enough for Baby

Thanks to advancements in medical technology and treatment, many heart defects are no longer a reason for reduced lifespan or the inability to carry a pregnancy. ... read more »

Congenital Heart Disease: Fast Facts

When it comes to better understanding a medical condition like congenital heart disease, often the basic fast facts are enough to give you the information you're looking for. Here are the basic fast facts of congenital heart disease. ... read more »

Congenital Hypoplastic (Left Heart Syndrome)

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. For the first 10 to 11 days after birth, the patent ductus arteriosus, this closes soon after birth. ... read more »

Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth. Symptoms of the condition include difficulty eating, failure to thrive, no weight gain or weight loss, sudden death or stroke. ... read more »

DiGeorge Syndrome

When a small section from the middle of Chromosome 22 is missing, DiGeorge Syndrome occurs. The disorder happens in one of 4,000 pregnancies. DiGeorge Syndrome was discovered in 1968 by  Angelo DiGeorge. ... read more »

Congenital Heart Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment

If your infant or child is experiencing increased fatigue, blue tinting of the skin or other conditions indicative of decreased or altered blood flow, the pediatrician may suggest testing for a congenital heart defect. ... read more »

Congenital Heart Disease: Causes and Symptoms

Most obstetricians and heart specialists don't have an explanation exactly why  congenital heart disease occurs, though there are some common causes or risk factors that may contribute to the likelihood of CHD. ... read more »

Congenital Heart Disease: What Is It?

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is another name for a congenital heart defect. The word congenital refers to the fact that the patient is born with the condition. ... read more »

Embryonic Development May be Associated with Heart Defects

While animal studies do not always result in direct correlations with human outcomes, researchers believe chicken heart development may hold the key to a possible breakthrough in congenital heart defect development. ... read more »

Excess Weight Shields Fetal Heart Defects from Ultrasound

Ultrasound scans have revolutionized fetal diagnostics but they are not fool proof. A Swedish doctor says that more than six of every ten serious fetal heart defects go undetected in ultrasound scans. ... read more »

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Fertility and Pregnancy

CAH or congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a disease caused by gene mutation. The condition affects cortisol, cholesterol and adrenal gland function. All CAH patients have some level of impaired fertility. ... read more »

Coarctation of the Aorta

A coarctation of the aorta is diagnosed when a portion of the aorta is narrowed making it difficult for blood to pass through the major artery. The aorta is responsible for moving blood out of the heart to the blood vessels. ... read more »

Risk of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator During Pregnancy

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are implanted in the body when a patient is at increased risk of cardiac death. The ICD detects heart rhythm and sends a jolt of electricity to the heart when arrhythmia occurs. ... read more »

Living with Congenital Heart Disease

Some congenital heart disease conditions are mild enough to be left untreated without reducing lifespan or quality of life, though there are lifestyle changes and health care that must be taken into consideration. If the condition worsens, at any time, further medical treatment may be needed. ... read more »

Heart Disease Not An Issue with Adequate Pregnancy Care

According to the registry, if women receive good prenatal care, counseling on their condition and adequate treatment, heart disease does not pose a threat to pregnancy outcome. ... read more »

Study: Birth Defects Are Not Being Reported Accurately

According to an annual report by the BINOCAR (British Isles Network of Congenital Anomaly Registers), birth defects are not being reported as often as they should be. Currently, about one in 80 births are noted as having a birth defect of some kind. ... read more »

Smoking During Overweight Pregnancy May Cause Fetal Heart Damage

Being overweight during pregnancy significantly increases pregnancy complication risk. Smoking during pregnancy also increases pregnancy complication risk. ... read more »

Imaging Technique for Alcohol-Related Birth Defects

Until now, limited research on embryos has prevented scientists from understanding how maternal use of alcohol causes congenital heart defects. ... read more »

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Surgery for Infants

HLHS, or Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, is a common form of congenital heart disease. The conditions present with an underdeveloped left ventricle that is unable to pump blood efficiently through the heart. ... read more »