Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. Access tools and resources to support coordinated care between primary care, cardiology and other members of the care team. Learn more about CHD.
The CHPHC is an unincorporated, all volunteer organization that consists of multiple professional associations, research groups, patient/parent advocacy groups, and federal liaisons.
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. Common examples include holes in the inside walls of the heart and narrowed or leaky valves. In more severe forms of CHDs, blood vessels or heart chambers may be missing, poorly formed and/or in the wrong place. As medical care and treatment have advanced, people living with congenital heart disease are living longer and healthier lives. Most children will grow up and live well into their adult and even senior years. Children with congenital heart disease will require lifelong specialized care to address nutrition, physical activity, neurodevelopment and both cardiac and non-cardiac risk factors.
Visit AAP Policy Collections to access current policy statements, clinical and technical reports with respect to Cardiology.
Search Guidelines and Statements for recently published scientific statements from the American Heart Association.
Access articles about Congenital Heart Defects including key findings, feature articles and articles of interest.
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect. There are many types of heart defects, with different degrees of severity based on size, location and other associated defects.
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects and require lifelong cardiology care. Pediatricians, obstetrician-gynecologists, internal medicine, emergency medicine and family medicine physicians all play an important role in improving the continuity of care for individuals with CHDs. Access the following resources to learn more.
CHD is a lifelong condition that requires specialized care. View resources related to transition, care coordination and telehealth.
Recognizing and getting help for the emotional needs of friends and family to those living with a CHD are important, too. Read personal stories from parents, siblings, physicians and children related to CHD support.
The CHPHC is an unincorporated, all volunteer organization that is comprised of multiple professional associations, research groups, patient/parent advocacy groups and federal liaisons with a mission to prevent congenital heart defects and improve outcomes for affected children and adults.
The contents of this page were developed by the Congenital Health Public Health Consortium (CHPHC). The CHPHC is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The outputs of the CHPHC are solely the responsibility of the CHPHC and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by the member organizations of the CHPHC, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
04/29/2022
American Academy of Pediatrics
