Congenital heart defects are structural problems of the heart that are present from birth. Some defects are diagnosed and treated during childhood, while others may remain undetected until adulthood. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have also allowed many people with congenital heart disease to live well into adulthood.
Adult congenital heart conditions can include abnormalities involving the heart chambers, valves, blood vessels, or the walls separating different chambers of the heart. Some individuals may have no significant symptoms, while others may experience breathlessness, fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms, reduced exercise tolerance, or swelling.
Adults with congenital heart defects may require periodic cardiac evaluation even after previous treatment or surgery. Ongoing monitoring helps assess heart function and identify complications such as arrhythmias, valve problems, pulmonary hypertension, or changes in heart structure.
