Congenital Heart Disease in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

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Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a term used to describe defects in the structure of the heart. It may also be called congenital heart defect. Congenital means your child was born with the heart defect. Your child will need life-long monitoring of CHD.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• Your child has any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of his or her face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• Your child has a seizure.
• Your child faints or loses consciousness.
• Your child has sudden shortness of breath.

Call your child's doctor if:

• Your child has a fever.
• Your child has chills, a cough, or feels weak and achy.
• Your child is not gaining weight as he or she should, or has a sudden weight gain.
• Your child has new swelling in his or her ankles or legs.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Medicines:

Your child may need any of the following:

• Heart medicine helps your child's heart beat stronger or more regularly.
• Diuretics help your child's body get rid of extra fluid. He or she may urinate more often with this medicine.
• Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage your child's CHD:

• Do not smoke around your child. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung damage. Your child's risk for health problems is increased if he or she breathes in secondhand smoke. Talk to your older child about not smoking. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you or your older child currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
• Ask about physical activity. Exercise is important for heart health. Your child's healthcare provider can tell you how much exercise your child needs each day and which exercises are best for him or her. Your child may not be able to do some physical activities or sports. The decision may depend on the type of defect your child has and if it was repaired. Your child's healthcare provider can give you written instructions for activities your child can do. You can give the instructions to your child's school officials.
• Give your child a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, lean meats and fish, and beans. Your child's healthcare provider or a dietitian can help you plan healthy meals and snacks for your child.
• Keep your child's teeth clean and healthy. Have your child get regular checkups at the dentist. Make sure your child brushes his or her teeth as directed. Cavities increase your child's risk for endocarditis (infection in the lining around his or her heart). Antibiotics may be needed before dental procedures. The antibiotic can help prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
• Ask about vaccines your child needs. Vaccines can help protect your child from diseases that can be dangerous for a child who has CHD. Examples include the flu, measles, and COVID-19. Ask which vaccines your child needs and when he or she should get them.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Xarelto
• rivaroxaban

Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:

Your child will need ongoing tests to monitor his or her heart function. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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