Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to congenital heart disease (CHD):

1. How do I know if I (or my child) have congenital heart disease?
   
   
2. Am I at greater risk for having a child with CHD?
   
   
3. What tests can best evaluate my child's condition?
   
   
4. What type of congenital heart defect does my child have?
   
   
5. What types of treatment options are available to my child?
   
   
6. What are the benefits and risks of these treatments?
   
   
7. Are there any medications my child can take to improve the defect?
   
   
8. How quickly does my child need to be treated for CHD?
   
   
9. How will the defect affect my child's development?
   
   
10. What signs or symptoms indicate a medical emergency?
    
    
11. If I have one child with CHD, what are the chances my other children will be born with one?
    
    
12. How soon in my pregnancy can a heart defect be detected in my child?