What Families Need to Know
What Is Congenital Heart Disease?
CHD refers to structural abnormalities of the heart present at birth, ranging from mild to complex. It affects approximately 1 in 100 babies and includes septal defects, valve abnormalities, and more complex structural conditions.
What Causes CHD?
In most cases the cause is unknown. Contributing factors may include genetic conditions (Down syndrome, 22q11 deletion), certain medications taken during pregnancy, viral infections in early pregnancy, and family history of CHD.
When Should CHD Be Evaluated?
Children diagnosed at birth, those with a known genetic syndrome associated with CHD, or those with new symptoms should see a pediatric cardiologist. Siblings of affected children may also benefit from screening.
What to Expect at Your Visit
We review your child's complete history including prenatal findings, prior surgeries, and medications. Testing typically includes an echocardiogram and EKG. We will discuss the specific condition, current status, and recommended monitoring plan.
Is CHD Dangerous?
Outcomes have improved dramatically over the past decades. Many children with mild CHD live completely normal lives with routine monitoring. More complex conditions may require surgery or catheter-based procedures, but outcomes continue to improve with advances in care.
Will My Child Need Surgery?
Not all children with CHD require surgery. Many small defects close on their own. More significant defects may require surgical or catheter-based repair, often in infancy or early childhood. For those who have already had surgery, we provide follow-up to monitor for long-term changes.
Common Conditions We Follow
Simple / Often Monitored
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Valve & Outflow Conditions
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)
- Aortic Stenosis
- Pulmonary Stenosis
More Complex Conditions
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
- Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
- Single Ventricle Heart Disease
This is not a complete list. If your child has a heart condition, we can help determine the right follow-up plan.
Who Should Continue Cardiology Follow-Up?
History of congenital heart disease
Prior heart surgery or catheter-based intervention
Known valve abnormalities
Childhood diagnosis thought to be resolved
Adolescents transitioning to adult care
Patients lost to follow-up
Even “Repaired” Hearts Need Monitoring
Residual or recurrent issues may develop
Valve function can change over time
Rhythm abnormalities may emerge
Activity recommendations may evolve
Why Ongoing Follow-Up Matters
Even after successful surgery or catheter-based repair, children with CHD benefit from structured, ongoing follow-up to monitor heart function, detect late complications, and provide guidance as they grow.
Early identification of changes — whether in cardiac function, rhythm, or residual anatomy — allows us to intervene promptly and avoid complications that can develop silently over time.
Dr. Braden has spent more than four decades caring for children with congenital heart disease, bringing a depth of follow-up expertise that is rare outside of major academic centers.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Silent Progression
Many CHD-related changes develop without obvious symptoms until they are advanced.
Growth & Development
Heart function and residual defects must be reassessed as children grow.
Arrhythmia Risk
Certain forms of CHD carry an elevated risk of arrhythmias that benefit from monitoring.
Transition to Adult Care
Adolescents with CHD need a clear transition plan to adult congenital heart services.
A Structured, Evidence-Based Approach
Comprehensive Review
We review all prior records, imaging, surgical reports, and medications before your visit so we can focus our time on your child.
Detailed Evaluation
Each visit includes a focused exam, echocardiogram, and EKG. Additional testing is added based on your child's specific diagnosis and current status.
Clear Plan & Communication
You leave with a clear explanation of findings, a tailored follow-up schedule, and a written summary sent to your referring provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child with CHD need to see a cardiologist for life?
For most significant forms of CHD, ongoing cardiology follow-up is recommended throughout childhood and into adulthood. The frequency of visits depends on the specific diagnosis, whether surgery was performed, and how well the heart is functioning.
Can children with CHD play sports?
Many children with CHD can participate in sports and physical activity. Activity recommendations depend on the specific diagnosis, the presence of any residual heart findings, and cardiac function. We review each child's individual situation and provide evidence-based guidance.
Is CHD hereditary? Should my other children be screened?
CHD has a modest familial component. The risk of CHD in a sibling of an affected child is approximately 2–5%, compared to the background rate of about 1%. Discussing your family history with us will help determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.
My child had surgery years ago and was told they were 'fixed.' Do they still need follow-up?
Yes. Most repaired hearts still require ongoing monitoring. Residual findings, valve changes, arrhythmias, and other late complications can develop years after a successful repair — often without symptoms until they are advanced.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if your child experiences any of the following: