Signs your infant may have an undiagnosed heart defect

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are heart conditions present at birth. CHDs are caused by various factors affecting the structure and/or function of the heart. According to the Center for Disease Control, heart defects are the most common birth defects, affecting nearly 40,000 births per year in the United States. With the increasing prevalence of babies born with heart defects, understanding the common signs of heart problems in infants is important for parents. Early diagnosis often improves outcomes in children with CHD.

While most heart defects are first detected during pregnancy through fetal cardiac imaging, CHDs are also discovered after birth or during the first few months of life. While undiagnosed heart defects are less common, babies can develop into young adults before symptoms are noticed. This is because heart defects may not be obvious due to mild symptoms, or symptoms that are mistaken for other childhood illnesses. Thus, it is important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects, which include:

• A bluish tint to the skin, lips and nail beds (cyanosis): This might indicate that your baby’s heart is not pumping blood effectively and he or she is not getting enough oxygen.
• Rapid heart rate and/or difficult breathing: A heart defect can make it difficult for your baby’s heart and lungs to work together, which may result in trouble breathing.
• Swelling in the legs, belly or areas around the eyes: Heart conditions may cause fluid to build up in the body which leads to swelling.
• Poor growth: If the heart is not pumping effectively, it can hinder vital nutrients needed for your baby’s growth and development.
• Decreased alertness and/or energy level: Certain heart defects can cause the body to work harder and use up more energy.

As a parent, attentiveness to even the most subtle signs and symptoms in your infant is essential. If these signs go unnoticed, as your child grows older, they may experience problems such as heart infection, pulmonary hypertension, or even heart failure.

If you think your baby shows signs of a heart defect, contact your child’s pediatrician for an exam and to determine if additional testing is necessary, such as an echocardiogram. If there is a heart concern, your doctor will refer to a pediatric cardiologist for further testing and diagnosis.

Pediatric cardiologists are medical professionals that diagnose and treat heart conditions in children of all ages. As a leading heart program, Riley Children’s Health uses advanced cardiac imaging to assess heart structure and function. From chest pain to murmurs to congenital heart failure, Riley Children’s offer solutions to heart defects through diagnosis, consultation, treatment and follow-up care.