What Is Congenital Heart Disease?

Congenital heart disease can affect the heart chambers, valves, walls, or major blood vessels. The condition may be mild and require monitoring or more complex and require specialized treatment.

Common Conditions

Common congenital heart conditions include:

• Atrial septal defect
• Ventricular septal defect
• Bicuspid aortic valve
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Pulmonary valve stenosis
• Tetralogy of Fallot

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Palpitations
• Chest discomfort
• Dizziness or fainting
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Swelling of the legs

Some patients have no noticeable symptoms.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Evaluation may include:

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Heart rhythm monitoring
• Blood pressure testing
• Exercise testing
• Review of previous surgery and medical records

Additional hospital-based imaging may be recommended for complex conditions.

Treatment and Monitoring

Care depends on the type and severity of the heart defect. Management may include medication, regular echocardiograms, arrhythmia monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and referral for catheter-based treatment or surgery.

Adults who had congenital heart surgery during childhood may still require lifelong cardiac follow-up.

When Should You Seek Urgent Care?

Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, blue lips or skin, persistent chest pain, or a very rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Care for International Patients

Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic welcomes international patients and expatriates seeking congenital heart disease evaluation in Seoul.

Bring previous echocardiograms, surgical reports, ECG results, and medication information when available.

Why Choose Dr. Lim Do-Sun Heart Clinic?

The clinic provides:

• Cardiologist-led consultations
• Advanced echocardiography
• Heart rhythm assessment
• Post-surgical heart monitoring
• Personalized treatment planning
• Long-term cardiovascular follow-up
• International patient support

Book a Congenital Heart Evaluation in Seoul

Regular cardiac follow-up can help detect valve problems, arrhythmias, heart failure, and other long-term complications.

Visit Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic for congenital heart disease evaluation and ongoing care in Seoul, Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can congenital heart disease be diagnosed in adults?

Yes. Mild congenital heart defects may remain undetected until adulthood.

Do adults need follow-up after childhood heart surgery?

Yes. Regular monitoring may still be necessary even after successful surgery.

Can congenital heart disease cause arrhythmia?

Yes. Structural changes or previous heart surgery can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.

Is echocardiography used for congenital heart disease?

Yes. Echocardiography helps evaluate heart structure, valves, blood flow, and pumping function.

Can adults with congenital heart disease exercise?

Many patients can exercise safely, but the appropriate intensity depends on the specific condition and heart function.