Five Facts about Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects. They affect nearly 40,000 infants born in the US each year. Learn more about congenital heart defects.

Did you know that congenital heart defects are common?
Congenital heart defects are conditions present at birth that affect how a baby's heart is made and the way it works. They are the most common type of birth defects. In the United States, about 40,000 infants are born with a heart defect each year.

Did you know that some heart defects can be found before birth, some at birth, or some after a baby leaves the hospital?
Some congenital heart defects can be found before birth. Knowing if a baby has a heart defect before birth can help families plan for the future. Some heart defects can be found at birth, because they can cause a baby to have bluish tinted nails or lips or troubled breathing. Also, some heart defects potentially can be detected in babies soon after birth using pulse oximetry screening, which is a test to determine the amount of oxygen in the blood and pulse rate. Certain hospitals screen all babies soon after birth using pulse oximetry screening. However, pulse oximetry screening is not required in most states. Other heart defects might have no signs at birth and are not found until later in life, during childhood or even adulthood. If a health care provider (a doctor or nurse) thinks a congenital heart defect is present, the baby can have several tests to diagnose the defect.

Did you know that congenital heart defects can greatly affect the finances not only of the families involved, but of everyone?
In the United States, hospital costs for people with a heart defect were about $1.4 billion in one year. Families and the government share the burden of these costs, which means that all taxpayers are affected. Other costs due to lost wages or work limitations can affect families and businesses as well.

Did you know that people with congenital heart defects are living longer?
As medical care and treatments have advanced, infants with heart defects are living longer and healthier lives. Many now are living into adulthood. About one million adults in the United States are living with a congenital heart defect. It is important for children and adults living with a congenital heart defect to see a heart doctor regularly throughout their lives.

Did you know that some congenital heart defects can be prevented?
The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Some babies have heart defects because of changes in their genes or chromosomes. They also might be caused by a mix of genes and other risk factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Birth Defects Prevention Study has found that women who are obese, have diabetes, or smoke during pregnancy increase their chances of having a baby born with a heart defect. A woman can take some important steps before and during pregnancy to help prevent congenital heart defects. She can work to get to and stay at a healthy weight, control diagnosed diabetes, quit smoking, and take folic acid daily. These actions can reduce the risk of having a baby with a congenital heart defect.

More Information

• CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
  • Congenital Heart Defects
  • Specific Birth Defects
  • Pregnancy Information
  • Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Defects
  • Information for Health Care Providers on Pulse Oximetry Screening
• National Birth Defects Prevention Study
• National Birth Defects Prevention Network
• Steps for Healthier Babies
• Podcasts
  • Folic Acid: Helping to Ensure a Healthy Pregnancy. (English or Spanish)
  • Ten Tips to Prevent Infections during Pregnancy. (English or Spanish)
  • Put Down That Drink if You Are Pregnant (or Trying to Be)! (English or Spanish)
  • If You're Pregnant, Don't Smoke. (English or Spanish)
  • Keeping Little Hearts Healthy (English)