Congenital Heart Disease

Our pediatric cardiology specialists care for babies, children, and young adults with congenital heart disease, offering expert diagnosis, advanced treatments, and lifelong support from Iowa’s most experienced pediatric heart team.

Request an Appointment

For all requests:

1-888-573-5437

Congenital heart disease (CHD) means your child’s heart or nearby blood vessels didn’t form typically before birth. Some children have small defects that never cause problems, while others may require surgery or long-term monitoring.

Lifelong care for congenital heart disease

At University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, you’ll find the only team in Iowa that provides comprehensive, continuous care for congenital heart disease from before birth through adulthood. Whether your child needs a one-time procedure or lifelong follow-up, our specialists are here to guide you through every step.

Types of congenital heart disease

There are many types of congenital heart disease in children, and no two hearts are exactly alike. Some conditions affect blood flow inside the heart, while others involve the valves or vessels around it. Common types include:

Atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Conditions where small holes form between the heart chambers.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). A result of a blood vessel not closing properly after birth.
Tetralogy of Fallot. A combination of defects that reduces oxygen in the blood.
Coarctation of the aorta. A narrowing of the main artery that carries blood to the body.
Transposition of the great arteries. Occurs when the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed.
Single-ventricle defects. Conditions where only one pumping chamber functions normally.
Valve abnormalities. Problems with the heart valves that control blood flow.

No matter your child’s diagnosis, our team has the experience and technology to deliver the best possible outcome and long-term support.

Symptoms of congenital heart disease

Sometimes, congenital heart disease is detected during pregnancy through a fetal echocardiogram. Other times, it’s found after birth when a baby shows signs such as:

Fast breathing
Poor feeding
Blue-tinged skin
Heart murmur

How congenital heart disease is diagnosed

Your child’s care team will review their health history, symptoms, and perform a thorough physical examination. They will also use diagnostic tools to understand your child’s exact anatomy and create the safest, most effective care plan for their heart. Your child’s evaluation may include:

Echocardiogram (echo). An ultrasound to observe the heart’s structure and function.
Electrocardiogram (EKG). A short test that records the heart’s electrical activity.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed topography (CT). Scans that can provide detailed imaging.
Cardiac catheterization. A diagnostic procedure that looks closely at how blood moves through the heart.

Treatment for congenital heart disease

Your child’s treatment depends on the type and severity of their heart condition. We offer every available option for congenital and pediatric heart disease care.
These include:

Catheter-based procedures to close holes or place valves without open surgery
Open-heart surgery for more complex repairs
Medications to manage blood flow, rhythm, or heart function
Rehabilitation and nutrition support to help your child grow and gain strength
Heart transplant or ventricular assist devices (VADs) for the most advanced cases

Your child’s care team will explain each step and help you make informed decisions, always aiming for the least invasive, safest approach.