Congenital heart disease is a heart-related problem that is present since birth. Symptoms vary, depending on the type and severity of the heart defect. They may include:

• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Blue discoloration of skin (cyanosis)
  
  
• Chest pain
  
  
• Syncope (fainting)
  
  
• Poor growth

Tests used to diagnose congenital heart disease include electrocardiogram or EKG (a recording of the heart's electrical activity), echocardiogram (uses sound waves to visualize the structures and functions of the heart), chest x-ray and pulse oximetry.

Treatments vary based on the type of defect. The majority of types require medications and/or surgery to repair the defect. Drugs that may be prescribed to treat congenital heart disease include:

• Digoxin (improves the function of the heart muscle)
  
  
• Diuretics (allow the body to remove excess fluid that builds up in heart failure)
  
  
• Prostaglandin E1 (improves blood flow)
  
  
• ACE inhibitors (decrease the constriction of the arteries)
  
  
• Inotrope drugs (strengthen the heart's contractions)