Diagnosing and Evaluating Heart Disease in Children Congenital
Heart Disease Rheumatic Heart Disease Problems Affecting the
Coronary Arteries and Blood Vessels Problems Involving Heart
Rhythm Most people only think of middle-aged adults or the
elderly as being affected by heart disease. Children are usually
thought of as having healthy hearts. Nine out of every 1,000
babies born in the US are born with a congenital heart
abnormality. It is estimated that one third of these babies
require intervention to prevent death in the first year of life.
Approximately 1.3 million people living in the US today were
born with a congenital heart defect, and at least half of these
individuals are under age 25. Some heart problems experienced by
children, such as most cases of congenital (present at birth)
heart defects, can be treated medically or surgically, but
cannot be prevented. However, heart-healthy living habits
started at an early age - sensible eating, keeping cholesterol
levels low, getting regular exercise, refr