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.
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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.

Need help finding a congenital heart disease specialist?

When you call, we’ll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-888-573-5437 Request an appointment Refer a patient

Locations and Offices

Pediatric Specialty Clinic (2 JPP)
2800 John Pappajohn Pavilion (JPP)
Elevator I, Level 2
1-319-356-2229
Clinic
Pediatric Specialty Clinic Main Entrance
In Stead Family Children's Hospital
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Cedar Rapids – A Avenue NE
Suite 310
1-319-558-4951
Clinic
In Cedar Rapids, A Avenue NE
855 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Urbandale, 86th Street
1-515-457-2960
Urbandale 86th Street location exterior, UI Health Care
In Urbandale, 86th Street
2901 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
Davenport - East Rusholme Street
Suite 100
1-563-344-7810
Clinic
Exterior image of Davenport on Rusholme Street
In Davenport, East Rusholme Street
1236 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport, IA 52803
Dubuque-Mercy Drive
1-855-543-2884
Clinic
Dubuque Mercy Exterior Image
In Dubuque, Mercy Drive
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque, IA 52001

Support Groups

Heart Friends Support Groups

Heart Friends supports parents, siblings, and caregivers of children with congenital or acquired heart disease. A child’s heart condition is more than a medical experience. It affects every aspect of family life. Heart Friends gives you a community of families who truly understand, helping you find emotional support, educational tools, and social connections when it matters most.

What is Heart Friends? 

Heart Friends is a statewide network for families receiving cardiac care at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, with chapters across Iowa.  

With a mission to provide emotional and educational support, raise awareness of congenital heart disease, and build a strong community for families at every stage of the heart-care journey, Heart Friends offers: 

  • Emotional support and mentoring through peer connection with other families who have walked similar paths. 
  • Educational events that give you reliable information about congenital heart defects, treatments, and long-term care. 
  • Social gatherings and chapter events so your children and your family can meet others and just have fun. 

All families have different needs, so we allow you to join at any point in your child's heart journey when you are ready to share with others. What we do is create connection, awareness, and a place where you feel heard and understood. 

When to join Heart Friends 

You may find Heart Friends helpful: 

  • When your child is newly diagnosed with a heart condition, and you’re looking for support and guidance. 
  • When you’re facing surgery or complex care and want families who’ve been there. 
  • When you’re feeling isolated, want to connect with other siblings or caregivers, or need educational resources. 
  • Even when your child is stable, but you want to join a community with social events and children’s activities with peers who understand. 

If at any point in your heart-care journey you feel you’d benefit from connection, reassurance, or resources — it’s a good time to join. 

What to expect 

When you become part of Heart Friends, you’ll have access to: 

  • Chapters in multiple regions (UIHC, Dubuque chapter, Waterloo chapter and Central Iowa chapter) with local event invitations. 
  • Welcome materials and social media options 
  • Social gatherings (annual CHD Day events, sporting events, family events, parent events, and more!) where you and your children can meet others. 
  • Opportunities to volunteer or support awareness efforts if you’d like to give back. 

Our program allows you to participate at your own pace and according to what your family needs. 

Donate to Heart Friends

We are grateful for the many generous individuals and organizations who wish to bring cheer and comfort to our young patients and their families. You often ask how you can help. The biggest impact you can make is through a monetary donation to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital Fund. This fund provides support for the most urgent needs of Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Give now

Heart Friends Support Group Contacts

UI Health Care Chapter
Trudy Pierick
[email protected]

Dubuque Chapter
Jesi Duve
[email protected]

Lindsey Schueller
[email protected]

Waterloo Chapter
Molly Burns
[email protected]

Kris Messner
[email protected]

Central Iowa Chapter
Brittany Devereaux 
[email protected]

Autumn Wolbert
[email protected]