Congenital Heart Defects: What Parents Need to Know

Experts share the latest on diagnosing, treating, and living with CHD

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Congenital heart defects (CHD) affect 1 in 100 children born each year in the U.S., making it the most common infant birth defect. Washington Family spoke with Dr. Christopher Jordan of Inova Children's Hospital to discuss the causes, symptoms, treatments, and long-term prognosis for CHD.

Why it matters

CHD is a serious condition that requires lifelong care, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many children with CHD can live fully active lives. Understanding the latest developments in CHD care is crucial for parents to ensure the best outcomes for their children.

The details

CHD occurs during heart development before birth, with causes that can be genetic, chromosomal, or unknown. Most cases (60-80%) are diagnosed prenatally through ultrasounds. Common types of CHD include septal defects, valve issues, and blood vessel problems. Symptoms can include blue-tinted skin, breathing difficulties, and poor feeding. Treatment options range from medications to catheter procedures, surgery, and even heart transplants for severe cases.

  • CHD forms in the first trimester, between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Most CHD cases (60-80%) are diagnosed prenatally between 18-24 weeks, usually at the 20-week ultrasound.
  • Newborns are given a pulse oximeter test 24 hours after birth to screen for potential CHD.

The players

Christopher Jordan, M.D.

Outpatient medical director for Children's Cardiology at Inova Children's Hospital and Inova Heart and Vascular Institute in Fairfax, Virginia.

Mended Little Hearts

A family and patient advocacy group that provides support for those dealing with a CHD diagnosis.

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What they’re saying

“Important for women to know is that if they have a normal heart, this rules out about 95% of potential heart problems for the baby; if the baby does have CHD, there are no symptoms for mom, there is not one single cause and it is important for parents to know that no one did anything wrong that resulted in the heart defect.”

— Christopher Jordan, M.D., Outpatient medical director (Washington Family)

“When a child needs open heart surgery, they will need lifelong cardiology follow-ups, even with medication and no restrictions.”

— Christopher Jordan, M.D., Outpatient medical director (Washington Family)

What’s next

Families dealing with a CHD diagnosis can connect with support groups like Mended Little Hearts to find a caring community and learn more about the latest treatments and research.

The takeaway

While CHD is a serious condition, advances in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care mean that many children with CHD can live full, active lives. Early detection and a comprehensive care plan are key to ensuring the best outcomes for these patients.