Diseases, Conditions and Treatments

The two types of heart disease in children are "congenital" and "acquired." Congenital heart disease (also known as a congenital heart defect) is present at birth. Some defects in this category are patent ductus arteriosis, atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects. Acquired heart disease, which develops during childhood, includes Kawasaki disease, rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis. Common diagnostic tests for these diseases are explained here.

About 36,000 children are born with a heart defect each year. Most of these children can benefit from

surgery even if the defect is severe. When surgery is necessary, many medical treatments are available to help the heart work properly. There is nothing that parents could have done to prevent these defects. Learn about conditions that can interfere with the work of the heart and treatment options in this section.

Kawasaki disease is an example of acquired heart disease that occurs primarily in children who are 5 or younger. Although medical knowledge of the disease is still developing, you can take steps to recognize the symptoms and deal with the disease's effects.

Nine of every 1,000 infants born each year have a heart defect. About 650,000 to 1.3 million Americans with cardiovascular defects are alive today. Though research is ongoing, at least 35 defects have now been identified.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 05/21/09.