Most of these conditions are first detected either because the parents report symptoms, or, because many infants will have no symptoms, through a routine physical exam. Most congenital heart disorders produce distinctive heart murmurs that the doctor can detect with a stethoscope. Non-invasive diagnostic tests are the first line of defense to determine the cause of the murmur. Cardiac catheterization is sometimes necessary to gather more information, but usually an echocardiogram can provide the same information.
Treatment then depends on the underlying cause. If possible, surgery will be delayed until the infant is at least two years old, because older children can better withstand surgery. If delay is possible, the child may be put on medication like digitalis to alleviate some of the symptoms. In some cases, balloon dilation, a procedure similar to angioplasty, can be performed at the same time as cardiac catheterization and is an effective treatment. In others, open heart surgery is necessary to repair the defect.
