Key points
- People with heart defects can develop other health issues related to their condition over time.
- Additional health issues depend on the specific heart defect as well as the number and severity of heart defects they have.
- Children and adults living with heart defects should visit a heart doctor regularly to prevent or manage possible health problems related to heart defects.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is a problem with how the heart beats. The heart can beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. As a result, the heart may not pump enough blood out to the body. Arrhythmia can also increase the risk for blood clots.
People with heart defects may have an arrhythmia because of their condition or because of past treatments or procedures for their heart defect. Some people can have an arrhythmia even in the absence of any heart defects.
Cardiovascular health issues
Adults with heart defects may be more likely than the general population to report cardiovascular issues such as heart failure or stroke.1
It is important that people living with heart defects receive ongoing specialty medical care.
Disability
Many people with heart defects live independent lives. Some people with a heart defect have little or no disability. For others, disability might increase or develop over time. People with a heart defect might also have genetic problems or other health conditions that increase the risk for disability.
Infective endocarditis
Infective endocarditis is an infection in the layers of the heart. If left untreated, it can lead to other problems, such as a blood clot, heart valve damage, or heart failure. Guidelines recommend that individuals with certain heart defects take oral antibiotics before having dental or surgical procedures. People with heart defects should discuss their condition with a doctor to determine if they should take antibiotics before a procedure.
Liver disease
People with single ventricle heart defects can develop liver disease due to their heart defect or because of past treatments or procedures for their heart defect. People with this type of heart defect should see a healthcare provider regularly to stay as healthy as possible.
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries (blood vessels) that lead from the heart to the lungs. Certain heart defects can cause pulmonary hypertension, which forces the heart and lungs to work harder. If the pulmonary hypertension is not treated, the right side of the heart can become enlarged over time. This can then lead to heart failure.
- Oster ME, Riser AP, Andrews JG, et al. Comorbidities Among Young Adults with Congenital Heart Defects: Results from the Congenital Heart Survey To Recognize Outcomes, Needs, and well-beinG — Arizona, Arkansas, and Metropolitan Atlanta, 2016–2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:197–201. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7006a3external icon