Congenital heart defects

Overview

Advances in surgery and medication mean that more and more children born with heart defects are surviving. It is estimated that 20,000 people with congenital heart disease reach adulthood every year in the United States.

For some children with mild levels of disease, the only treatment necessary may be regular monitoring of the defect and extra precautions against infection during surgical or dental procedures. For others, treatment may range from medications up through heart and lung transplantation.