Treatment Options for Congenital Heart Defects

Treating and living with a congenital heart defect (CHD) requires a team effort. With the right care and support, many children and adults with heart defects can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Banner Health is here to support you or a loved one every step of the way. Read on to learn about managing and living with a heart defect. 

Types of treatment for congenital heart defects

Treating congenital heart defects (CHDs) often involves a team of health care specialists, including cardiologists and surgeons. Together they will decide the best treatment plan based on the type and severity of the defect.

Here are the main ways heart defects are treated:

Medications

Medicines can help manage symptoms and improve a heart condition. They can reduce the stress on the heart or prevent complications. 

Common medications include:

• Diuretics: Help the body get rid of extra fluid. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. 
• Beta-blockers: Help to slow the heart rate and with less force. They control high blood pressure and reduce stress on the heart.
• ACE inhibitors: Help relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. They also lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload.
• Digoxin: Helps the heart pump more strongly and slowly. It can be used to control some heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Prevent blood clots from forming. They are important if there is an increased risk due to certain heart conditions.
• Antiarrhythmics: Help control arrhythmias by adjusting the electrical signals in the heart.

Cardiac catheterization

Catheter procedures are less invasive than surgery. The catheter (a thin tube) is inserted through a blood vessel to the heart. Health care specialists use it to open narrow heart valves or blood vessels or close holes in the heart. 

Common procedures include:

• Balloon angioplasty: A catheter with a small balloon at the tip is inserted into a narrow blood vessel. The balloon is then inflated to widen the vessel, improving blood flow.
• Valvuloplasty: Similar to balloon angioplasty, the balloon widens heart valves.
• Device closure: A special device can be guided through a catheter to close a hole or opening in the heart. 
• Stent placement: A stent (a small mesh tube) can be placed in a narrowed blood vessel through a catheter. The stent helps keep the vessel open and improves blood flow.

Surgery

Some CHDs require surgery. CHDs are typically repaired via open surgery with a large cut (incision). In some cases, surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques or small cuts (incisions). 

Types of surgery for congenital heart defects include:

• Open-heart surgery: The surgeon opens the chest to fix the heart. A heart-lung machine takes over the heart’s pumping action while the surgeon repairs defects. Common procedures include closing holes, repairing or replacing valves and widening blood vessels.
• Closed-heart surgery: The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a camera and special tool to fix the heart without opening the chest. Common procedures include placing bands around arteries to control blood flow.
• Heart transplant: In rare cases, a heart transplant might be needed. This is when a healthy heart from a donor replaces the patient’s damaged heart. This option is usually considered when other treatments have not been successful.

A team of health care specialists will work with you to choose the best type of surgery. It will be based on the type of defect and your or your loved one’s needs.

Living with congenital heart defects

The outlook for those with CHDs is much better today than it was in the past. Advances in diagnosis and treatment allow most children with heart defects to survive into adulthood. This means more adults are living with congenital heart disease.

Improved surgical treatments, medications and advanced imaging have greatly increased survival rates and quality of life. Plus there are many things that can be done to stay healthy and live full and active lives. 

Here are some tips to help manage everyday life with a CHD:

Regular check-ups

See your health care provider and cardiologist regularly. These check-ups help monitor the heart’s condition and catch any changes early. They will guide you on how often these visits should be.

Medication management

Some children and adults with heart defects may need medicine. It is important to take these medicines as prescribed. Keep a list of all medications and dosages. Use a pill organizer or set reminders to help stay on track.

Healthy lifestyle

• Balanced diet: A balanced diet helps keep your heart strong. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid too much salt and sugar.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity is good for your heart. However, check with your cardiologist to determine what types and levels are safe. 
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive drinking can harm your heart. If you smoke, seek help to quit. Limit alcohol intake to keep your heart healthy.
• Prevent infections: Good hygiene and regular vaccinations are important for children and adults with CHDs. Talk to your provider about vaccinations. 
• Take care of teeth and gums: Some children and adults with a heart condition can have poor oral health. Brush and floss teeth daily and see a dentist regularly for cleanings.

Education and school

For children with heart defects, work with their school to ensure they understand your child’s condition. Develop a plan for managing the condition at school. This might include allowing rest breaks or having medication available during school hours.

Mental health

Living with a CHD can be overwhelming. It’s normal to feel anxious, stressed or depressed at times. Here are some ways to manage your emotions:

• Talk about your feelings: Share your thoughts with friends, family or a counselor/therapist. Professional counseling or therapy can give you strategies to manage anxiety, depression or stress related to living with a chronic condition.
• Join support groups: Connect with others, online or in-person, who have similar experiences. This can be comforting and informative.
• Practice relaxation: Techniques like deep breathing, yoga or meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Emergency plan

Have an emergency plan in place. Know the signs of serious problems, like trouble breathing or severe chest pains. Ensure everyone involved in your or your loved one’s care knows what to do in an emergency. 

It may be helpful to make an advanced care plan. This plan is a legal form you fill out to say what kinds of medical care you want if you can’t make decisions for yourself.

Reproductive health

Adults with congenital heart defects are at higher risk of pregnancy complications. Talk to a cardiologist and an OBGYN if you are planning to become pregnant. 

Why choose Banner Health

Our Banner Health heart specialists are leading the way in diagnosing and treating a wide range of congenital heart defects, from the most common to the very rare. We treat every patient individually to determine the best treatment for you and your loved ones.

Schedule an appointment today with one of our specialists.