Conditions & Treatments
- A to Z Guide

Congenital heart defects

Disease Information

Overview

A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a heart problem that’s present at birth. It’s caused by improper development of the heart during fetal development.

1 percent of babies are born with a CHD.
Nine out of every 1,000 babies born in the US are born with a congenital heart abnormality.
One third of these babies require intervention to prevent death in the first year of life.
85 to 90 percent of CHDs have no known causes.
5 to 6 percent are related to chromosome abnormality.
3 to 5 percent are related to single gene defects.
2 percent are related to environmental factors.
Approximately 1.3 million people living in the US today were born with a congenital heart defect, and at least half of these individuals are under age 25.

The Experience Journal
Designed by Children’s psychiatrist-in-chief David DeMaso, MD and members of his team, the Experience Journal is an online collection of thoughts, reflections and advice from kids, parents and other caregivers about being overweight.

How Boston Children’s Hospital approaches congenital heart defects

The first operation to correct a congenital heart defect was performed in 1938 by Children’s surgeon, Robert Gross, MD. Today, we perform more than 1,200 cardiac surgeries each year.

Transitioning from pediatric to adult care
More than 9 million children in the United States are living with a chronic illness. Every year, 500,000 of these children turn 18. As they join their fellow adolescents in struggling to achieve optimal independence, they also face a serious issue they may not be prepared for: the transition of their medical care. Read Children’s tips for helping kids – and their families – make this key transition.

Transitioning from pediatric to adult care

More than 9 million children in the United States are living with a chronic illness. Every year, 500,000 of these children turn 18. As they join their fellow adolescents in struggling to achieve optimal independence, they also face a serious issue they may not be prepared for: the transition of their medical care. Read Children’s tips for helping kids – and their families – make this key transition.