Congenital Heart Disease

Your Partner in Congenital Heart Disease Care 

Heart disease usually develops throughout your life. But you can also be born with it. If you have a heart problem from birth, you have congenital heart disease (CHD). And you will need specialized care.

If you have congenital heart disease (CHD) or had one repaired as a child, specialized monitoring and care will always be part of your life. Our expert team has the expertise you need right here in the Atlanta area.

As the only adult congenital heart program in Georgia and one of the country's most extensive programs, we're able to identify any problems related to your congenital heart disease and provide the most effective treatment and management options.

Our goal is to keep you healthy from childhood to adulthood. We’ll be with you every step of your health care journey.

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What Is Congenital Heart Disease?

Congenital heart disease is common, and it exists from birth. It occurs in approximately 1% of all births in the United States. And roughly 1 million American adults live with congenital heart disease. 

These life-long problems can include: 

  • A hole in your heart 
  • Blood vessel problems (too few or too many, slow blood flow or blood flow in the wrong direction) 
  • Heart valve problems 

Each of these problems leads to abnormal blood flow.

Most people receive a congenital heart disease diagnosis during childhood. However, your problem may not be detected until adolescence or adulthood.  

Types of Congenital Heart Disease 

Congenital heart disease problems usually fall into two groups:

  • Acyanotic (normal oxygen levels in your blood)
  • Cyanotic (low oxygen levels in your blood)

Some of the most common conditions include:

  • Single Ventricle Defects
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Transposition of the Great Arteries

Cardiovascular specialists at Emory Healthcare have the expertise to treat all congenital heart disease conditions ranging from simple to complex.

Congenital Heart Disease Treatments  

We offer innovative, minimally invasive treatment options for congenital heart disease.
medical counselor sits with patient
Cardiovascular Genetics Counseling and Testing

Genetic testing to detect inherited heart disease for you and your loved ones

 

Heart disease can run in families. It’s important to know if you or a loved one have a DNA change that increases your risk. Our cardiovascular genetics experts can identify any genetic changes and help create the personalized care plan you need.

 

Learn about Cardiovascular Genetics

Congenital Heart Disease

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease 

Symptoms of congenital heart disease can appear shortly after birth. But some people don’t show signs until they’re older.  

The symptoms you experience can depend on your age, your specific problem, the severity of your condition and how many other heart problems you have. 

Common signs of congenital heart disease include:

  • Blue skin, lips or nails (cyanosis)
  • Breathing problems (fast or difficult breathing)
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Fatigue
  • Getting tired quickly during exercise
  • Heart murmur 
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Poor blood circulation
  • Pounding heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling
  • Weak pulse 

Find an Emory Doctor

Emory Healthcare doctors provide specialized treatment and research the latest advancements.

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Explore our Network

To expand your options, explore our network of providers throughout Atlanta and the surrounding counties.

 

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Make an Appointment at Emory Heart & Vascular

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