Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in Children

The heart program at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital brings together the best cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, neonatology and maternal-fetal medicine specialists in the region to care for mothers and their babies who have a congenital heart disease (CHD).

From early diagnosis, as early as 17 weeks gestation, to advanced deliveries that take place steps from the region's only pediatric hybrid cardiac catheterization suite, our SLUCare Physician Group team has the expertise and technology to provide the best possible outcomes. When needed, patients benefit from our advanced treatment options, including heart and valve surgeries and other interventional procedures, as well as ventricular assist device implantation and heart transplantation. Complex heart conditions that we treat and manage are:

An estimated 40,000 babies are born each year in the United States with congenital heart disease (CHD). In fact, congenital heart conditions are among the most common problems diagnosed in newborns. The good news is that children with congenital heart disease diagnosis are living longer and can benefit from specialized care to enhance quality of life and daily activities during childhood and throughout adulthood.

What is congenital heart disease?

Congenital heart disease is any abnormality in the heart's structure that are present at birth and range from mild to severe. This means that the heart may not pump blood well, beat correctly or allow blood to flow normally through its chambers or arteries. The most common congenital heart conditions are hypoplastic left heart syndrome, ventricular septal defect, heart murmur, and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

What causes congenital heart disease?

In most cases, we don’t know what makes a baby's heart develop abnormally. Congenital heart conditions occur within the first few weeks of life. Genetic and environmental factors do appear to affect babies while in the womb. Data show that 30% of children with chromosomal abnormalities and inherited disorders have heart defects. Other factors can include:

• Gene mutations
• Mothers who have Rubella (measles) or flu during the first trimester
• Alcohol and cocaine use
• Certain medications
• Chronic illness in the mother such as diabetes

The signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease vary depending on your child’s age and the severity of the defect. Treatment of your child’s congenital heart condition will also be dependent upon their overall health.

Through every step of the process, we strive to provide the information and support you need to get your child back on track. To learn more about our heart services, please call us at 314-577-5674.

How is congenital heart disease diagnosed?

We offer a wide range of tests to diagnose or confirm CHD in children and adults, including:

• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Transesophageal echocardiogram
• Advanced cardiac imaging (e.g., cardiac MRI and cardiac CT)
• Metabolic stress tests
• Cardiac catheterization

24/7 ACHD Consultations

For urgent concerns, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital offers a dedicated Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Urgent Care Clinic and 24-hour access to ACHD consultations for all patients with ACHD and their families.