Congenital Heart Defect
Congenital heart defects are present from birth and can vary widely in severity. Long-term monitoring and tailored treatment are essential.
- Covered by insurance
- Often same-day appointment
What is a Congenital Heart Defect?
A congenital heart defect is a malformation of the heart present from birth. Severity ranges from mild changes that don't require treatment to serious defects requiring early surgery. Even with successfully treated heart defects in childhood, lifelong cardiological monitoring is important. We provide adult patients with cardiological aftercare and individual support.
TREATMENT
How avi Helps You
A congenital heart defect can be frightening. But don't worry — we at avi are here to support you at every stage.
Minor congenital heart defects, such as a small opening between the two atria, are common and affect up to 35 per cent of the population. These conditions, which arise during embryonic development, are generally asymptomatic and therefore do not require treatment. Serious heart defects are less common, but they do require acute therapy. Fortunately, such defects are usually diagnosed immediately after birth and treated surgically or with medication without delay. Should a congenital heart defect have gone undetected and therefore untreated: our experienced doctors at avi will accompany you through treatment at all our locations.
OVERVIEW
Diagnosis
A congenital heart defect is diagnosed when a cardiac anomaly is demonstrably confirmed to have been present at birth.
OVERVIEW
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact mechanism by which congenital heart defects arise has not yet been conclusively established. However, possible triggers include:
- genetically determined conditions (chromosomal disorders such as trisomy 21, i.e. Down syndrome)
- alcohol and nicotine misuse during pregnancy
- advanced parental age
OVERVIEW
Typical Symptoms
Minor congenital heart defects are generally asymptomatic. The symptoms of serious heart defects, however, include:
- impairment of normal, age-appropriate development in the infant
- signs of heart failure (e.g. breathing difficulties or an enlarged liver)
- cardiac arrhythmias
- elevated heart rate
- a weak, thready pulse
- rapid fatigue
- signs of reduced perfusion, particularly peripherally (fingers and toes, but also oral mucosa and tongue, which often turn blue or grey)
TREATMENT
Our Treatment Approach
The majority of congenital heart defects with symptoms present are detected immediately at birth via sonography or ECG. In rare cases, the diagnosis is made only in adolescence. We at avi assist with this using the following diagnostic tools:
- taking a medical history (recording pre-existing conditions as well as physical symptoms under exertion or at rest)
- auscultation (listening to the heart with a stethoscope)
- in cases of abnormal heart sounds: cardiac ultrasound
- ECG
- chest X-ray
- measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation
HOW IT WORKS
How an Appointment Works
We take time for thorough diagnostics and an individual treatment plan.
- 1
History & Consultation
We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle in detail and take time for your questions.
~15 min
- 2
Clinical Examination
A thorough physical examination and, if needed, additional diagnostics (e.g., blood draw, ECG, ultrasound).
~15-20 min
- 3
Findings & Diagnosis
We discuss your results and explain what they mean for your health in clear terms.
~10 min
- 4
Treatment Plan & Follow-up
Together we develop an individual treatment plan and arrange follow-up appointments as needed.
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PREPARATION & AFTERCARE
Preparation & Aftercare
Before the appointment
Bring your insurance card
Please remember your health insurance card and any referral if applicable.
Pack previous findings
Current findings, doctor's letters, or imaging from previous treatments help us provide better care.
Medication list
A current list of your medications (incl. dosage) is very helpful.
After the appointment
Follow your treatment plan
Stick to the agreed treatment plan and medication intake.
Schedule follow-up
Arrange a follow-up appointment promptly for monitoring.
Report worsening symptoms
Contact us if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
Costs & insurance
Covered by statutory insurance
Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.
Private / self-pay
on request