Congenital heart defects are conditions that are present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby's heart and the way it works. They are the most common type of birth defect. As medical care and treatment have advanced, infants with congenital heart defects are living longer and healthier lives. Many now are living into adulthood.
Congenital Heart Defects Topics
Facts
Causes and risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and how the heart works.
Screening
Pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects.
Research and Tracking
What we’ve learned.
Specific Heart Defects
Information about specific types of heart defects.
Data & Statistics
Data and statistics highlights.
Articles
Scientific articles.
Living With a Congenital Heart Defect
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
1600 Clifton Road
MS E-87
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
CDC Facebook Posts
NCBDDD Tweets
Scientific Statement
Children with heart defects need early evaluation for related disorders
Children born with a heart defect should receive early evaluation, prompt treatment and continued follow-up for related developmental disorders affecting brain function.
Learn more from the American Heart Association »